PERSELA, Indonesia: Veteran goalkeeper Choirul Huda of Persela Lamongan has died just hours after an in-game collision against Semen Padang in the Indonesian league on Sunday.
The 38-year-old collapsed towards the end of the first half after a three-way collision during the match. Teammate Ramon Rodrigues and Pedang attacker Marcel Sacramento were also involved.
The freakish incident occurred just prior to the halftime whistle.
The Persela goalkeeper left his line to clear away a ball but collided with a teammate an opposing player. He collapsed on the field shortly after the head-to-knee collision and was transported to a local hospital before the team announced his death after the match.
Footage from the game, televised live on Batam island, shows Huda rushing off his line to block an opposing player from shooting and colliding with his defender.
Huda could be seen kneeling on the pitch and clutching his face before losing consciousness.
Medical staff rushed to his aid and quickly escorted him from the field on a stretcher and to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Persela coach Aji Santoso confirmed the death.
He told reporters: "All of the players finished the game and went to the hospital, where it was announced that Choirul Huda had died.
Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and team-mates of Choirul Huda.https://t.co/7vEBFerq07
— #FIFAU17WC
