- Javier Altamirano, 24, had seizures during Argentine Cup tie
- His teammates rushed to his aid before he was treated and taken to hospital.
- WARNING – GRAPHIC CONTENT
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A Chilean footballer collapsed on the pitch after suffering a convulsion during a match in Argentina on Sunday.
Estudiantes midfielder Javier Altamirano, 24, suffered convulsions in the 28th minute of the clash against Boca Juniors in La Plata.
Harrowing video footage shows the player’s legs visibly shaking as he is treated. His teammates, some of whom were in tears, were seen rushing to his aid before he was treated by medics from both sides and taken to hospital in an ambulance.
The Argentine League Cup match was then abandoned with a score of 0-0 after the referee spoke to Estudiantes captain Jose Sosa and his Boca Juniors counterpart Edinson Cavani.
Altamirano’s pregnant wife was in the stands and accompanied him to the hospital, according to Estudiantes manager Eduardo Dominguez.
Javier Altamirano collapsed after suffering a seizure during Estudiantes’ match against Boca Juniors
The 24-year-old was treated on the pitch by team doctors from both teams after the incident.
The Chilean was taken to hospital by ambulance and his condition is said to be stable.
“There are many things more important than a match,” he said. “Life comes before any situation.
“It was very difficult to continue, I entered the locker room and the players were crying… Altamirano’s wife, pregnant, was in the stalls, now she is with him.”
Some Estudiantes players were in tears in the locker room, Dominguez added.
Estudiantes said in a statement late Sunday that Altamirano was in stable condition at the Platense Medical Institute.
Altamirano is an attacking midfielder who has made one appearance for his country
The players were visibly upset when the referee and officials called for medical help.
“He is hospitalized under observation and to complete his studies,” the club said.
“A CT scan was carried out, which showed no obvious pathological images.
“He is stable. Due to this situation, the match, stopped after 27 minutes of the first half, was suspended by the refereeing authorities.
The disturbing incident was broadcast on Argentine television before some broadcasters cut the plot after realizing the seriousness of the situation.
Altamirano has made 11 appearances for his club this season after joining Estudiantes from Chilean club Huachipato for £785,000 in the summer.