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Commentary: Goalkeeper's death illustrates need for proper sports safety
Regulations stipulate that match organizers must provide immediate medical assistance as well as safe and quick passage to the nearest hospital should a player require these.
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Tragic end: Persela Lamongan goalkeeper Choirul Huda is rushed to the hospital on Sunday following a collision with teammate Ramon Rodrigues during a Gojek Traveloka Liga 1 soccer match against Semen Padang at Surajaya Stadium in Lamongan, East Java. Choirul was later pronounced dead due to head and neck trauma. Persela won the match 2-0. (Antara/Rahbani Syahputra)
T
he world seemed to be rolling on in its usual hustle and bustle on Sunday until a soccer game at the Surojaya stadium in the East Java town of Lamongan shockingly grabbed everyone’s attention. Persela Lamongan FC goalkeeper Choirul Huda died defending his net.
The incident occurred when Choirul raced onto the ball his teammate Ramon Rodriguez and Semen Padang striker Marcel Sacramento were fighting for. The goalie managed to clear the ball, but at a very high price. His upper abdomen appeared to collide with Ramon’s legs.
Both Ramon and Choirul collapsed in pain, with the latter apparently in great distress. An oxygen mask was applied and Choirul was rushed to the nearby Dr. Soegiri General Hospital, but doctors could not save his life.
Dr. Yudistiro Andri Nugroho said Choirul suffered severe trauma to the chest, neck and head as a result of the horrendous collision that damaged his chest and lower jaw. The traumatic impact blocked oxygen supply to Choirul’s brain, leading to his death.
The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI), has assigned a medical team on a fact-finding mission. Joko Driyono, PSSI deputy chairman, said the national soccer body would also seek advice from the world soccer federation FIFA on measures to prevent such a tragedy from recurring.
“If FIFA mandates us to improve our medical assistance arrangement during matches then we will certainly comply,” says Joko. Regulations stipulate that match organizers must provide immediate medical assistance as well as safe and quick passage to the nearest hospital should a player require these.
Sadly, injuries are part of the risks faced by soccer players and indeed all athletes. Before the demise of Choirul a number of soccer players had lost their lives during games.
