An ex-cop sickened when his allegedly defective can of pepper spray burst open as he chased a suspect is suing the city.

John Shapiro says he was running after a perp on East 48th Street on Sept. 20 when he tripped and fell on the can.

The city is at fault because it “negligently and carelessly provided and equipped” him with a faulty can, he says in a Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit.

The city Law Department says it will review the case.