The title would be an understatement, but really, there’s no way to approach the following stories except to say that they happened, and they’re horrendous, and they’re as much as part of the game (sadly) as any vicious thing Nigel de Jong ever did to another sentient being.
First up, a stampede in Kenya. Due to inclement weather, fans trying to get into Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi for a match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards caused a crush that killed 8 people and left several others hospitalized.
There are conflicting reports about the number killed in the incident, but it’s gotten FIFA’s attention and they’re promising a full investigation in conjunction with local authorities as to why there weren’t sufficient entry points to the stadium.
Difficult scenes to watch.
The other disturbing story this weekend involved Miguel Garcia, midfielder for Spanish Segunda Division side Salamanca. During yesterday’s game vs. Real Betis, Garcia went into cardiac arrest, requiring emergency action from pitchside medics to resuscitate him and restore his normal heart rhythm with a defibrillator.
Also tough to watch.
As of this writing, Garcia’s in stable condition, and team captain Alex Goikoetxea expressed that his teammate’s recovering well, though it’s uncertain whether he’ll return to the game.
Next time we get too hung up in David Beckham’s blandishments or Wayne Rooney’s extra-curriculars, it’s good to retain some perspective that soccer isn’t all about superficiality or folly. Not always, anyway.
I’ve been to that stadium in Nairobi. Didn’t go in b/c the lines were too long. /hmmm. Putting pieces together now.
As for Garcia, although sad, is there any speculation that the incident could be drug related? Strange….
This is horrible, just horrible. At the same time, the arguement can be made that this isn’t a foil to superficiality and folly, but rather an extreme manifestation of both.
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Also, if you take the opening of this post: Not Everything In Soccer Is Fun and Games. The title would be an understatement, but really, there’s no way to approach the following stories except to say that they happened, and they’re horrendous, and they’re as much as part of the game (sadly) as any vicious thing Nigel de Jong ever did to another sentient being. …… and put it in front of Roy’s Arsenal post from this morning, it is a lot funnier.
Bleh. Way to brighten up a Monday.
@Georger: Now that made me laugh.
Separately, I just watched that stampede video and the other investigation that should be underway is why their paramedics can’t do proper CPR. It’s a pet peeve of mine since it’s perpetually shown incorrectly on TV. They could barely zip a suitcase with that much force, let alone break a few ribs and actually compress someone’s heart enough to keep them alive. Argh.
Uh I meant that about the stampede story not the medical condition one.
@Georger: I was wondering about that. I just chose to focus on the funny part about PR’s post instead.
@Mountain Wag: Not to get all uppity in here, but I think it’s pretty silly to assume that a cardiac arrest is in any way due to drug use. The great majority of these incidents are due to heart defects that are not that uncommon in the general population (the most common cause, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, affects something like 1 out of every 1000 people). Thats the end of my rant. Also, I couldn’t watch either video…sad stuff.
I’m pretty sure that by definition one cannot get “uppity” while using the phrase “hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.”
@Derek – Luckily the player is better, and I understand what you’re saying…it wasn’t uppity. Check this out and you’ll see surprising numbers of heart issues from athletes in Spain…none mention drug use as a reason.
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Your point is valid – if Maradonna can do that much coke, play, and be alive – these youngsters should be able to too. I was just worried the Spanish aren’t built like the Argentines…
@Derek: thats just a Pavlovian reaction from Nancy Reagans generation of kids and Just Say No.
its simplistic and moralistic enough that one can feel superior right away repeating its credo.
Just like a 15yr old boys mind goes to sex no matter what the topic, Nancy’s Kids mind goes ‘there’ whenever it can.
*For children of another generation think Mr Mackee and ‘Drugs are bad, mmmokay?’