European football: Sevilla player dies after collapsing during game
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Seville, Spain
Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta died today at the age of 22. Puerta had been in critical condition at Virgen del Rocio hospital since collapsing during a game against Getafe. Puerta's body will be taken to the club's stadium where fans could pay their respects. He will be buried on Thursday.
Puerta collapsed after jogging back towards his own goal in the 35th minute of the game.
Spanish media reported that Puerta was due to become a father in under 2 months.
The UEFA Champions League 3rd qualifying round 2nd leg against AEK Athens in Athens today has been postponed. The game will be played on September 3rd.
Sources
- "Sevilla's Puerta dies three days after collapse" — ESPN Soccernet, August 28, 2007
- "Spain mourns Puerta loss" — UEFA, August 28, 2007
- "Puerta dies following heart attack" — FIFA, August 28, 2007
- "Sevilla defender dead at 22" — Rogers Sportsnet, August 28, 2007
- "Sevilla's Puerta dies in hospital" — BBC Sport, August 28, 2007
- "Sevilla midfielder Puerta dies" — Guardian Unlimited, August 28, 2007