Sad, sad news is reaching us that ex-Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote has died suddenly at the age of 30.
Unsubstantiated reports of Tiote’s death flooded Twitter this afternoon, with many believing it to be a hoax.
Unfortunately, the tragic news have since been confirmed by Emanuele Palladino, the Ivorian’s representative:
It is with deep sadness I confirm that Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training.
We cannot say any more at the moment and we request that his family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time.
We ask for all your prayers.
Tiote brought his seven-year stint with the Toon to an end in February when he left St. James’ to join second-tier side Beijing Enterprises.
According to Sky Sports, he was rushed to hospital after collapsing during a training session, but didn’t respond to emergency treatment.
Many of his friends and former teammates have already taken to social media to express their grief…
We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tioté in China today. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/PCrIEUyugv
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 5, 2017
Muy triste escuchar del fallecimiento de tiote. Descansa en paz amigo. Very sad to hear about the pass away of tiote. Rip my friend. #nufc
— Jonas Gutierrez (@elgalgojonas) June 5, 2017
Gutted to hear the awful news about my former teammate Cheik Tiote today. Thoughts with his friends and family.
— Stephen Harper (@steveharper37) June 5, 2017
Goodnight brother, You will be missed. My heart goes out to his family. Gone too soon #RIPcheiktiote
— Papiss Demba Cisse (@CissePapiss) June 5, 2017
Terrible news, R.I.P. Tiote. Always enjoyed sitting next to you in the dressing room my friend.
— Siem de Jong (@siemdejong) June 5, 2017
I am speechless and so incredibly sad. Cheick Tioté was one of the nicest and toughest teammates I have ever had. Rest in peace brother.
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) June 5, 2017
Shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of Cheick Tioté, I pass on my condolences to his friends & family, way too young #ripcheickTiote 🙏
— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) June 5, 2017
😭😭😭 may Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tiote 😭😭😭
— Demba Ba (@dembabafoot) June 5, 2017
RIP Cheick Tiote, 1986-2017