Algerian Footballer Dies on Pitch on Christmas Day After Heart Attack

• Sofiane Lokar was in action as his side Mouloudia Saida battled ASM Oran in the Algerian second-tier division
• The 30-year-old is said to have suffered a head injury in the 26th minute but passed to continue playing after receiving treatment
• However, nine minutes later, tragedy struck as Lokar suffered a heart attack before he was confirmed dead while being attended to
• The Mouloudia Saida star is reported to have been married just last week

The Algerian football fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Sofiane Lokar.

Lokar, who plies his trade in the Algerian second division died on the pitch while playing on Christmas Day.

According to SunSport, the 30-year-old footballer is reported to have suffered a heart attack just moments after he had injured himself before the half-hour mark.

It is understood the Mouloudia Saida star was treated at the time following a collision with his own goalkeeper and allowed back into the pitch.

Diego Maradona's Stolen KSh 225m Hublot Watch Recovered In India Year After His Death

Football

However, nine minutes later, Lokar is said to have collapsed to the floor before he was pronounced dead as paramedics treated him at the scene.

Local reports suggest Lokar's first injury was to his head despite being declared fit to continue playing.

It is believed that Lokar, who was also Mouloudia Saida's captain married just last week.

Marin Cacin dies after collapsing during a training session

Meanwhile, Lokar's death came barely days after another footballer collapsed in training before dying in hospital.

Marin Cacin, a Croatian defender died in hospital on Friday, December 24, after he was placed in a coma but could not be saved by medics.

Sports Brief reported the heartbreaking news was confirmed by his club in an emotional tribute on Facebook, with Bosnian news outlet Klix reporting doctors fought unsuccessfully for his life.

Cacic started his football career with youth sides in Rijeka and went on to have a stint with Italian lower-tier side, Isernia.

He would later end up at NK Nehaj, a second-tier outfit in Croatia who he has been turning out for until his sudden death.