An Argentine footballer tragically passed away on Thursday morning after sustaining a serious head injury caused when he crashed into a concrete wall during a match.
Emanuel Ortega, 21, suffered the head injury during a Primera C game between his team, San Martin Burzaco, and Juventud Unida earlier this month after he went shoulder-to-shoulder with an opposition player near the touchline.
After losing his balance, Ortega crashed into a concrete wall just a metre away from the pitch which left him lying motionless on the pitch.
The 21-year-old underwent emergency surgery, but the Argentina Football Association confirmed on Thursday that Ortega had died and that all football for the upcoming weekend had been cancelled.
‘A pity his farewell,’ the statement read.
‘The severity of his injury led to different teams of Argentine football to express their solidarity and support with the player.
‘Argentine soccer wears black to dismiss Emanuel and accompany family and friends at this difficult time.’
You can watch footage of the moment Ortega suffered the injury in the video below.
WARNING: Readers may find the following footage upsetting.
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