Picture Credit: Twitter
In a shocking incident, Algerian second division footballer Sofiane Lokar tragically passed away on Christmas day after suffering a heart attack in the middle of the match. Notably, Lokar was the captain of the Mouloudia Saida team and collapsed during the match and despite the medical team's attempts, he could not be saved.
The incident happened during his team's contest against Oran Association on Christmas day. Several media reports suggest that Lokar had earlier collided with his own goalkeeper during the 26th minute of the match. However, the 30-year-old received some treatment and was deemed fit to continue but only nine minutes after this, he again collapsed on the floor.
The paramedics then came running onto the ground and tried their best but could not save Lokar. It was later reported that he had suffered a heart attack during the match.
Shocking visuals which could be disturbing for some viewers who are advised their own discretion show how paramedics tried to revive Lokar's heart.
Here is the video:
The incident was further shocking since Lokar had only married last week. This is the second incident within a few days of a footballer passing away in the middle of a match. Earlier Croatian defender Marin Caric had suffered a fatal heart attack during training. Caric was taken to coma but even he could not be saved.
In another video which is now doing the rounds on internet, Sofiane's teammates and opposition players can be seen crying their hearts out, trying to come to terms with the reality.
Earlier this year, famous Danish footballer Christian Eriksen also collapsed mid-game during Denmark's EURO 2020 match against Finland. However, thanks to the efforts from the referees, umpires and the paramedics, his life was saved. What worked in Eriksen's favour was that his teammates provided him CPR and a defibrillator immediately after the incident even before he was taken to a hospital. Since then Eriksen has returned to complete fitness but is yet to play a game of football.