LEBANESE footballer Mohamed Atwi has passed away after succumbing to injuries following a stray bullet to the head.
Atwi, 32, was injured on August 21 after being hit by a bullet fired at the funeral of a firefighter killed in the Beirut port explosion.
Mohamed Atwi has passed away aged 32 after succumbing to injuries following a stray bullet to the head
Firing automatic rounds into the air at weddings and funerals in the Middle East is common, but can result in death and injury.
Atwi fell victim to the practice while walking in southern Beirut and died despite a successful operation which stemmed the bleeding after the bullet became lodged in his skull.
The bullet is believed to have been fired at the funeral of Joe Bou Saab, a firefighter who died when a blaze they were investigating caused an enormous explosion.
It led to around 200 deaths and an estimated £10billion worth of damage, with parts of the Lebanese capital totally destroyed.
Atwi, who won three international caps, played for Lebanese side Akhaa Ahli Aley, who honoured the midfielder online.
They said: “With much sorrow and sadness, the management of Al-Ansar FC mourns one of its sons, the player Mohammed Atwi.
“He had been with Al-Ansar FC during the height of his career, winning three national titles.
“This is a loss not only to his family, but to Al-Ansar Club, for what he represents in the hearts of its supporters, who knew him as a leader on the field, and the modest character that won him many friends.”
Following the fatal incident, protests took place outside the hospital where Atwi was being treated, with calls to end the practice of firing live rounds to honour events.
His family have also called for an investigation into the shooting but no one has been arrested.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
