Skip to content

Footballer saves the life of opponent who swallowed his tongue

Czech goalkeeper Martin Berkovec had collapsed after colliding with a team-mate.

Rescue

A FOOTBALLER SAVED an opponent’s life after he swallowed his tongue during a league game in the Czech Republic.

Bohemians goalkeeper Martin Berkovec fell unconcious after a collision with his team-mate, prompting a Slovacko player to run to his aid.

Togolese striker Francis Kone put his finger in Berkovec’s mouth to retrieve his tongue, while other players placed him in the recovery position.

TRENDING NOW / YouTube

“It wasn’t the first time I have done that,” ESPN reports Kone as saying. “It’s something like the fourth time. Twice in Africa, once in Thailand.

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

Video footage shows medics rushing onto the pitch to attend to Berkovec and his team-mate Daniel Krch, who was unable to get up after the collision.

The pair were later transferred to hospital.

Goalkeeper Berkovec has since posted a message on Facebook, thanking Kone for rescuing him.

“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!!!”

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Katie Taylor will fight Italian Monica Gentili on the Haye-Bellew undercard this weekend

Walters still a number of weeks from return with crucial Wales clash looming

Close
18 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute robby rottenest
    Favourite robby rottenest
    Report
    Oct 12th 2014, 8:15 PM

    I believe that photo has been enhanced to give the impression of greater crowd numbers.

    96
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Speakman
    Favourite David Speakman
    Report
    Oct 12th 2014, 8:22 PM

    Haha surely that has to be from an away ground? Seats in ED Park are either Maroon or white!

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keith Ryan
    Favourite Keith Ryan
    Report
    Oct 12th 2014, 10:58 PM

    It’s oriel park

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute IrishGravyTrain
    Favourite IrishGravyTrain
    Report
    Oct 12th 2014, 8:36 PM

    Galway Hookers FC would be much better. The merchandise potential would be endless.

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donal O'Brien
    Favourite Donal O'Brien
    Report
    Oct 13th 2014, 12:13 AM

    Aren’t they supposed to be in the Gaelteacht? Aontas Gaillimhe would be more suitable

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Billy Mc Andrew
    Favourite Billy Mc Andrew
    Report
    Oct 13th 2014, 8:23 AM

    Galway city itself is not in the gaeltacht.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute IrishGravyTrain
    Favourite IrishGravyTrain
    Report
    Oct 12th 2014, 8:29 PM

    United. Any chance they could of come up with something a bit more original.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Davy Campbell
    Favourite Davy Campbell
    Report
    Oct 12th 2014, 10:44 PM

    What do you mean, like Galway giants or something, that would go down well….It’s football, teams are called, rovers, city, united etc, they are just going back to their proper name

    35
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.