Shakhtar Donetsk stadium the Donbass Arena hit by two explosions

Ukrainian club said explosion due to 'shelling'

Shakhtar Donetsk's Donbass Arena was hit by two explosions early this morning with the city serving as a battleground between national forces and pro-Russian separatists. (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Shakhtar Donetsk's Donbass Arena was hit by two explosions early this morning with the city serving as a battleground between national forces and pro-Russian separatists.

The club confirmed that nobody was hurt in the incident that took place at 6am local time.

"On 23 August, at 6:00, two powerful explosions occurred at Donbass Arena," read a statement on the club's website.

"As a result of shelling, there are numerous damages of the northwestern facade of the stadium, communications, equipment and detached building of the energy centre, which is located in the northern part of the Donbass Arena park."

There is no indication so far that the stadium was deliberately targeted for shelling.

Donetsk has become a key battleground in the fighting (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Shakhtar, who will play in the Champions League after winning the Ukrainian Premier League last season, will be forced to play their European matches in Lviv in the west of the country.

Donetsk has become a key battleground in the confrontation.