Sad! 15-year-old footballer dies after cup altercation in Germany

FOOTBALL: Sad! 15-year-old footballer dies after cup altercation in Germany

Abigael Wafula 14:35 - 01.06.2023

The teenager died in the hospital as a result of his severe brain injuries after being hit on the head

A 15-year-old footballer from Berlin died on Wednesday, May 31 after being seriously injured in a fight with players from a French team at an international youth tournament.

According to reports by AFP, the teenager died in hospital as a result of his severe brain injuries after being hit on the head in the altercation in Frankfurt on Sunday, May 28.

A 16-year-old player from the French team was arrested following the fight and was still being held in custody. The fight occurred following the final whistle in a game between the victim's side JFC Berlin and a team from French second-division club Metz.

The police said the victim was seemingly hit on the head or neck before he fell to the floor and had to be resuscitated.

Meanwhile, Metz released a statement on Wednesday evening saying they were deeply shocked by the tragedy and sent condolences to the family of the young player.

"Following the tragedy that occurred this weekend in Frankfurt, FC Metz has learned through the media of the death of the young opposing player today," a part of the statement read.

The statement added that the club wished to remind everyone that FC Metz Performance Program, as well as all the players and parents present, are of course at the disposal of the German authorities to help with the investigation.

On Tuesday, the club confirmed that a player from its program, which gives young footballers from all over the world access to a high-level training structure, was being held by German authorities.

However, the club also revealed that the suspected attacker denied having deliberately caused serious bodily harm. The tournament organisers also said that they were shocked by the events, describing them as "unbelievably sad".

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