ADVERTISEMENTTributes have today been paid to a footballer killed in Algeria after being hit by an object from the crowd.
Albert Ebossé, a striker from Cameroon, was struck as he left the field amid a shower of projectiles, according to AFP.
The 24-year-old scored JS Kabylie's only goal in a 2-1 home defeat by USM Alger in Tizi Ouzou.
#rip my friend , my room mate , may god welcome u to paradise albert ebosse . pic.twitter.com/hnFEyYCtsV
— hamza bencherif (@BencherifHamza) August 23, 2014
Kerbadj Mahfoud, president of Algeria’s national league, called it a 'catastrophe'.
He added: “An unfortunate act has claimed the life of a young player, who, in the space of a season, won the hearts of thousands of Algerians across the country. Talented, as evidenced by being the league’s top scorer in the 2013/14 season, he was highly regarded by his teammates and his opponents for his great human qualities.”
Algerian Football Federation said all professional and amateur football games would be suspended on August 29/30.
“This is in homage player Albert Ebossé tragically died and also to protest the irresponsible actions of some fanatics and hooligans that perpetuate violence in stadiums and has reached unacceptable proportions.”
Issa Hayatou, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), said: “My thoughts go out to the family and friends of this young man who enjoyed his job peacefully and went further to pursue his passion for football abroad.
Et plus encore… #Ebossépic.twitter.com/smpiYH6Ewe
— ToOpHyK (@Toophyk) August 25, 2014
“African football cannot be the breeding ground for hooliganism whatsoever. We expect exemplary sanctions to be taken against this grave act of violence. Violence has no place in African football in particular and sports in general.
“We remain resolute and state in the strongest terms our determination to eradicate all forms of violence and unsportsmanlike conduct in stadiums on the continent.”
FIFA president Sebb Blatter said it was “intolerable” that a spectator could cause the death of a player. He added: “Stop the violence! My emotional thoughts are with the family and those close to Albert Ebossé.”
Intolérable qu’un spectateur provoque la mort d’un joueur. Stop à la violence! Mes pensées émues aux proches d’Albert Ebossé. RIP
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) August 25, 2014