Gruesome reason Newcastle hero is missing a digit after childhood accident

Dan Burn had his head in his hands following Kai Havertz’s late winner for Chelsea against Newcastle.

And many fans were surprised to see that the Magpies’ 6ft 7in colossus is actually missing a finger!

The spotlight has been shone on Burn since he sealed a £13million move from Brighton back to his boyhood club in the January transfer window.

The 29-year-old has instantly installed himself as a rock at the back for Eddie Howe’s new-look Newcastle that has climbed away from Premier League relegation danger in recent weeks.

He went unbeaten during his first five matches with the Toon before Havertz’s last-minute strike helped Chelsea beat the Magpies on Sunday.

Burn was already at the heart of the game’s biggest talking point having taken an elbow from Havertz during the first half.

The defender was then guilty of losing the German for his goal before he clutched his face in frustration, which led to people noticing his missing finger.

Burn has made 89 appearances in the Premier League since his debut in England’s top-flight back in 2014 but surprisingly the story of his phalanx has nothing to do with football.

Back when he was just 13, Burn was wearing a ring while climbing a fence when it caught on a spike, as per The Free Library.

The gruesome incident led to his finger being ripped off which must have been a horrific moment for the youngster.

But Burn has more than overcome the adversity to make it as a professional and eventually become a fan-favourite at St James’ Park.

The centre-back was born in the nearby Northumberland town of Blyth, and held a St James’ Park season ticket as a boy.

And he was delighted to seal a return to his beloved club, having began his football career in their youth ranks.

“I’m buzzing to be here,” he told the club’s official website after he signed.

“I never thought I’d be in this position so to be a Newcastle player and to be around St. James’ Park, it’s something I’ve dreamt of since I was a kid. 

“From sitting in the East Stand as a kid to now, it’s crazy.”