Indian player dies after breaking spinal cord in goal celebration

Indian footballer, Peter Biaksangzuala, has died from injuries he suffered after he landed awkwardly while celebrating a goal.

Footballers have been known to injure themselves while celebrating a goal but there is no recorded instance of a celebration leading to death – up until now.

Biaksangzuala, 23, fell backwards on his head as he performed a series of somersaults after scoring an equaliser for Bethlehem Vengthlang FC against Chanmari West FC in a local match in Khawzawl, a town close to India’s eastern border with Myanmar.

Unsuspecting teammates jumped on Biaksangzuala as he lay on the ground in pain, before realising the extent of his injuries and calling for help.

He died on Sunday after his condition deteriorated in hospital, as doctors attempted to repair his damaged spine.

“He was trying to do Germany’s Klose signature flip stunt, but it misfired unfortunately,” a source told reporters.

A statement on the Mizoram Premier League’s official Facebook page read: “Bethlehem Vengthlang FC midfielder Peter Biaksangzuala lost his fight for survival after he suffered a fatal injury while celebrating his goal.

“It has been a sad day for Mizoram football and the demise of the footballer shook his teammates, footballers and fans alike all over Mizoram.

“Peter was a defensive midfielder who had always been aggressive and hardworking, a true team player. Like most defensive midfielders, he was excellent at reading the game, breaking up attacks and protecting his defenders.

“Peter’s club Bethlehem Vengthlang FC will retire his jersey no. 21.”