Indonesian goalkeeper dies after in-game collision

Indonesian goalkeeper Choirul Huda passed away after colliding with a teammate during an Indonesia Liga 1 game on Sunday.

The 38-year-old goalkeeper collapsed after the collision at the end of the first half, when he took a blow from his own defender as he rushed out to claim the ball. 

Medical staff hurried to his aid and he was quickly taken to the hospital.

"He was still conscious and complained of chest pain," one member of the medical staff told regional Indonesian newspaper Surya. "Then he fell unconscious."

According to Goal, Persela head coach Aji Santoso told reporters afterward that Huda had passed away: "All of the players finished the game and went to the hospital, where it was announced that Choirul Huda had died.

"The loss of Choirul Huda has hit us all hard," Santoso added. "We did not have time to see a doctor, only to see his body."

Persela paid tribute to Huda on social media, posting he was "the real legend of Persela."

According to Goal, Dr. Zaki Mubarok of the Dr. Soegiri Lamongan General Hospital said, "He passed away because of collision in the head and behind the neck."

The Indonesian league also tweeted their condolences, stating Huda's death was "a loss for Indonesian football." 

Huda played his entire career at Persela Lamongan, first joining back in 1999, and was a popular figure in Indonesian football.