There was nothing beautiful about this game. An Indonesian soccer player died of injuries suffered at the result of a vicious slide tackle.
In an Indonesian Premier League match between Persiraja Banda Aceh and PSAP Sigli, a Persiraja player attempted a long, hopeful shot that dipped just in front of goalkeeper Agus Rahman. The ball ricocheted off Rahman’s chest and directly into the path of Persiraja forward Akli Fairuz.
The two raced for the ball, but Fairuz was closer, and arrived first. Just as he met the rebound, Rahman lifted his foot and kicked Fairuz directly in the midsection, spikes up.
Fairuz scored, but the goal was disallowed by the referee, and the striker was subbed out as a fight broke out. Fairuz seemed to OK. He watched the rest of the contest on the bench. Later, however, he was admitted to a hospital. It was discovered he suffered internal injuries. Six days later, after surgery on May 16, he passed away.
It’s unclear what will happen to Rahman, the keeper.