A shocking incident occurred during a football match in Brazil where a player violently collided with the wall surrounding the pitch. The Brazilian footballer, 20-year-old Melkzedeck de Sousa Fernandes, faced a life-threatening situation when he crashed headfirst into the concrete barrier after being tackled near the opponent’s goal.
The game was immediately halted as teammates and opponents rushed to help Melk, fearing a severe injury. He was quickly taken off the field on a stretcher and transported to a hospital by ambulance.
Atletico Piauiense, Melk’s club, reported that he sustained a laceration to his face that required stitches. However, after conducting several tests, medical professionals assured the club that there were no indications of lasting serious harm.
This dramatic event unfolded during Atletico Piauiense’s away game against Parnahyba Sport Club. Disturbing video footage captured the moment Melk, wearing jersey number 22, clutched his head as he lay on the ground, semi-conscious after the forceful impact.
Players from both teams urgently signaled for medical assistance, and an ambulance entered the pitch to evacuate the injured player. Melk was conscious but appeared disoriented as he was placed in the ambulance, with visible blood from a head wound.
Despite the incident, Atletico Piauiense secured a 3-1 victory in the match. The club communicated through social media that, “Melk was admitted to Dirceu Arcoverde Hospital where he received treatment and stitches. He is awake and in stable condition. We are closely monitoring his progress and providing him with all necessary support.”
Messages of support and recovery wishes poured in for the player from fans. One comment highlighted the danger of pitch-side walls, stating, “That wall needs to be removed from where it is.”
This incident brings to mind a tragic event in 2015 when Argentinian footballer Emanuel Ortega passed away after colliding with a pitch-side wall during a match. Following this tragedy, the Argentinian Football Association urged that pitch-side walls be covered with protective cushioning.
Emanuel Ortega, a 21-year-old player for San Martin de Burzaco, passed away in May 2015, 11 days after his injury. He had been in a coma following surgery to relieve brain pressure. The wall he impacted separated the playing field from the spectator stands. He struck the back of his head after losing balance in a tackle. The opposing player involved in the tackle was the first to react and call for help for the unconscious Ortega.
Marcus Bellamy