Benaulim: A 26-year-old footballer, Dailon Nathalino Carvalho of Ambaulim, Quepem, collapsed while playing for United Boys Ambaulim during a match at Dando Ground, Benaulim, on Tuesday and was declared brought dead at the South District Hospital, Margao. The exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed, with a post-mortem scheduled for today.
According to John Fernandes, the official of United Boys Ambaulim, Dailon had headed the ball during play and continued for about three minutes before collapsing. There was no collision with any player before the incident.
John alleged there was a delay of nearly 30 minutes on the arrival of an ambulance. He said teammates immediately tried to assist Carvalho before he was transported in a private vehicle.
“It took almost half an hour for the ambulance to arrive. The players tried to save him and he was taken in a private vehicle before being shifted to the ambulance on the way,” John said.
Anthony Pango, senior vice president and chairman of the competitions committee of the Goa Football Association, described the incident as a tragic moment for Goan football and said the association would review the matter after the post-mortem.
Tournament organiser Caetano Fernandes said he did not witness the moment when Carvalho collapsed as he was busy on the stage, but saw the player lying on the ground. He said CPR was administered immediately and an ambulance stationed near the venue was called, but were told that the driver was not available. So a second ambulance was called, but as it was also delayed,
he said.
