Togo's Kone saves life of a keeper

Tuesday Feb 28, 2017. 11:30

Bohemians 1905 goalkeeper Martin Berkovec has thanked Togo and FC Slovacko striker Francis Kone for saving his life following a collision during a 1. Liga meeting in the Czech Republic.

Reports indicate that the keeper collapsed after colliding with teammate Daniel Krch while attempting to retrieve a loose ball.

Kone, who had been chasing the same ball, noticed that the 28-year-old had fallen unconscious and, rather than wait for medical staff to arrive, took matters into his own hands to save the keeper.

The BBC website reports that the quick-thinking Cote d'Ivoire-born forward put his fingers into Berkovec’s mouth to prevent him from swallowing his tongue, before the stopper was stretchered off and taken to hospital.

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The striker later said this was not the first time he has had to act quickly to help a fellow player in need.

“It has been four times. Once in Thailand and twice in Africa," Kone told reporters after the game as quoted by the Mirror.

“It has been four times. Once in Thailand and twice in Africa. I’m always checking the players, to make sure they have not swallowed their tongue.”

The move prompted the keeper to go to his Facebook account and thank the 26-year-old forward after spending a night in hospital.

“I would like to thank Francis Kone for rescue and emergency at today’s game,” Berkovec said on Facebook.

“I’m glad for the relief and thanks again!!!.”