Czech First League: Togolese Striker Francis Kone Saves Goalkeeper’s Life After Accidental Collision (Video)

Chris Wright

28th, February 2017

3 Comments

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Togolese international Francis Kone was the hero of the hour when his quick-thinking quite possibly saved the life of an opponent during a Czech First League game at the weekend.

Bohemians goalkeeper Martin Berkovec was knocked out cold when he accidentally collided with a teammate on the edge of his penalty area.

Realising the seriousness of the situation, Slovacko striker Kone immediately rolled Berkovec over and pulled his tongue from the back of his throat, thus preventing the prone ‘keeper from choking.

Speaking after the match, Kone revealed that he knew what to do having experienced similar incidents earlier in his career.

It wasn’t the first time I have done that. It’s something like the fourth time. Twice in Africa, once in Thailand.

I immediately checked to see if he had swallowed his tongue.

Both Berkovec and the defender he ran into, Daniel Krch, were taken to hospital for trauma tests.

According to ESPN FC, a message was read over the stadium loudspeakers shortly after half-time to announce that both players were “fine”, which duly prompted a round of applause from the crowd.

“We want to say thank you to Koné and the emergency team of FC Slovacka for the rescue of our players! You guys! #BOHSLO”

The game went on to finish goalless, but the result was a secondary matter as far as Bohemians coach Miroslav Koubek was concerned:

I would like to put sport to one side and thank Kone, who provided first aid.

He acted very professionally in the situation, administered first aid and retrieved his tongue.

As far as I’m concerned, that was more important than the whole game.

After being discharged from hospital, Berkovec took the time to thank Kone for his quick-thinking via Facebook:

I would like to thank Francis Kone for his quick action in saving me during today’s match.

I am grateful for the prompt help, and once again THANK YOU!!!

Hear hear. Well played that man.

Posted in International football, Newsnow, Videos

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3 Comments

  1. Gazz says:

    Well done for quick thinking and all, but from a medical point of view did he do the right thing?

    Shouldn’t you tilt the head back so the tongue pops forward and out the way?
    Also, unless he was being sick (I can’t see if he is or not) should they have rolled him? He might have had a neck/spine injury

  2. Katie says:

    That’s only half the story-before this the Bohemians fans had been making racist taunts and remarks towards Kone. Suffice to say a lot of people were eating humble pie after this.

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