Cameroonian striker dies after being struck by object thrown from stands

Cameroonian striker Albert Ebosse has died after being hit in the head by an object thrown from the stands during an Algerian league game.

Ebosse, who had scored a goal in the match from the penalty spot, was fatally struck by a projectile at the end of JS Kabylie’s game against USM Alger, which his club ended up losing 2-1.

Kabylie released a statement about the incident:

“The Ministry of Interior and Local Government, speaking through minister Tayeb Belaiz, has given an instruction to open an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Albert Ebosse.

“The JSK player succumbed to a head injury after being hit in the head at the end of the meeting with USM Alger.”

USM Alger also released a statement:

“JS Kabylie’s Cameroonian striker has lost his life after being hit in the head by something launched from the stands.

“This terrible news is saddening for football in our nation and in Cameroon and arrives like a bombshell just hours after the meeting with USM Alger which was played in Tizi Ouzou.

“In these painful circumstances, USM Alger and its members send their deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and to JS Kabylie. May Albert Ebosse rest in peace.”

The throwing of projectiles at football matches is not a problem unique to African football.

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo was struck by a lighter in the second leg of a Copa del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid. Barcelona fans also famously flung a pig’s head at Luis Figo after his move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

It is rare to read of the issue becoming this tragic, though. But it is somewhat similar to an incident in 2013 when a 14-year-old Bolivian was killed by a flare launched by a Corinthians supporter celebrating a goal in a Copa Libertadores match.

Twenty-four-year-old Ebose had six international caps, mainly with Cameroon’s B team, played for Coton Sport FC, Unisport Bafang and Douala AC in Cameroon, before transferring to Malaysian side Perak FA in 2012. He joined JS Kabylie – one of Algeria’s richest clubs – in July 2013. He scored 19 goals in 32 league appearances for them.

Ebosse leaves behind a young daughter.