The death of a 23-year-old Indian footballer from severe spinal cord damage after attempting to celebrate a goal with a somersault has once again brought into focus the issue of over-the-top
celebrations during matches.
Bethlehem Vengthlang FC midfielder Peter Biaksangzuala died on Sunday at a hospital in the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram after the incident in a Mizoram Premier League (MPL) match.
After scoring the equaliser against Chanmari West FC, a flipping Biaksangzuala landed awkwardly and was lying unconscious as his team mates surrounded him and gestured for help.
Other reports said his injuries were possibly aggravated by players piling on top of him during the celebrations.
In a mark of respect towards the player, the club has decided to retire his number 21 jersey, which is an admirable symbolic gesture but somewhat pointless for his family and friends.
The laws of the game currently stipulate automatic yellow cards if a player removes his shirt, covers his face with a mask, makes a provocative gesture or climbs a perimeter fence to
celebrate a goal.
FIFA said that any additional measures curbing goal celebrations would have to be approved by soccer’s rule-making body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
'This is a tragedy and we are very concerned about this incident,' said FIFA in a statement.
'It is the responsibility of IFAB to rule on amendments to the Laws of the Game.'
FIFA added that any national association can propose a change to the rules, and the suggestion must be submitted by Dec. 1 to be considered at IFAB’s next annual general meeting.
There have been occasions when players have celebrated goals with multiple somersaults or by jumping onto the scorer, thus risking serious injury.
Occasionally scorers have leapt over fences and advertisement hoardings to celebrate with fans.
A tragedy like this was bound to happen, and football associations across the world should learn a lesson from it rather than dismiss it as a one off incident at a third division football
match in a remote Indian state.
Yaseen goes out in style
Yaseen Ismail led Qatar to another Gulf Cup win and promptly announced his international retirement yesterday.
The veteran basketball player had been the driving force behind Qatar’s rise on the Asian stage, having starred in many a battle for the national team.
Yesterday, he led Qatar to their fourth regional title. Earlier this year, Yaseen was instrumental in Qatar winning the World 3x3 Championships in Russia.
Yaseen had announced his retirement one and a half years ago but was coaxed into coming back by the authorities.
However, this time his retirement appears to be final.
“It’s time to give a chance to the new generation,” Yaseen said after Qatar defeated Bahrain in their last round-robin game to clinch the title.
Way to go, Yaseen!
