International footballer, 31, at risk of paralysis after breaking neck in sickening collision

GRAPHIC WARNING A Togolese midfielder has broken his neck after a collision with a pitch-side advertising board at the weekend, and his club have said that the horrific accident may leave him paralysed

Samuel Asamoah may be left paralysed after a collision with an advertising board at the weekend. The Togo midfielder was playing for Guangxi Pingguo against Chongqing Tonglianglong on Sunday, when he collided head-first with an LED panel.

The midfielder remained on the ground as medical staff rushed over to treat him. And on Monday, the 31-year-old’s club revealed that Asamoah is at risk of “high-level paraplegia” as a result, after suffering multiple fractures to his neck.

He also sustained extensive nerve damage. The club has since confirmed that the star has undergone surgery, and is in a stable condition. However, they added that “his career may also be seriously affected.”

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A statement from the club read: “Guangxi Pingguo FC sincerely thanks all fans and all walks of life for their concern and support for Samuel Asamoah. His recovery progress will be announced in due course after follow-up examinations.”

After coming up through the Aspire Academy in 2012, Asamoah spent five years with Eupen in the Belgian football pyramid, before securing a move to Sint-Truiden. After racking up 115 appearances for De Kanaries, the defensive-midfielder enjoyed stints with FC U Craiova and Qingdao Red Lions before securing a move to Guangxi Pingguo this year.

He has made 24 appearances across all competitions for his current club. It comes after the footballing world was rocked by the death of Billy Vigar last month.

The former Arsenal youth star passed away at the age of 21 following a serious brain injury sustained during a match for Chichester City. The 21-year-old was a part of the Gunners’ Under-21s side up until last year, before moving on to Hastings United on a free transfer.

He then joined Chichester this summer. He sustained a serious head injury in September during a match against Wingate and Finchley, where it is understood that he collided with a concrete wall as he attempted to stop the ball from going out of play.

The game was stopped as a result, and Vigar was taken to hospital where he was later placed into an induced coma. However, Chichester sadly confirmed the tragic news that the player had passed away days later. sharing a statement from his family.

It read: “After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma. On Tuesday he needed an operation to aid any chances of recovery.

“Although this helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday (September 25) morning. The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved.”

Chichester added: “Rest in peace Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club.”

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