Top matador Morante de la Puebla has been left seriously injured after being gored during a bullfight in Sevilla.

The incident happened during the ninth corrida of the Feria de Abril at the iconic La Maestranza, as the fourth bull of the afternoon – a 512kg animal named Clandestino – proved difficult to control from the outset.

According to reports, the bull failed to settle into the cape early on, forcing Morante to move into the centre of the ring in an attempt to steady the animal.

But in a split second, the bull broke through the pass and drove straight into the matador’s thigh area, catching him off guard and leaving him seriously hurt.

He was rushed out of the ring by his team and taken straight to the infirmary for emergency surgery.

‘Very serious’ injuries

Surgeons led by Octavio Mullet operated on Morante for a deep goring to the gluteal area.

According to the medical report, the wound was severe – with a trajectory of around 10cm, partial damage to the anal sphincter muscles, and a perforation of the rectal wall.

Doctors repaired the affected tissue, and inserted drainage. His condition has been classified as ‘very serious’.

Earlier in the afternoon, Morante had been in top form – cutting an ear after a high-quality performance that drew praise for both his right-hand work and his artistry with the cape.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.