ARGENTINA: Domestic Football Matches Halted Following Death Of Footballer

Emmanuel Ortega (in blue) challenges for the ball with an opponent moments he crashed his head into a perimeter wall after being pushed by the opponent. | image source: express.co.uk

Professional football matches in Argentina have been suspended this weekend after a fourth division player died of a head injury sustained during a game.

Emanuel Ortega fractured his skull while playing for San Martin de Burzaco against Juventud Unida.

The 21-year-old crashed, as can be seen in the video below, into a perimeter wall after being pushed by an opponent when challenging for the ball.

Ortega died in hospital on Thursday after undergoing two operations.

"Everyone agreed to it," said Luis Segura, president of the Argentine Football Association. "One shouldn't play, out of respect for the magnitude of the tragedy.

"I don't think anyone is in the mood to think about a football match."

- BBC