WARNING - UPSETTING CONTENT: Footballer dies after somersault goal celebration goes wrong
A FOOTBALLER has tragically died after a somersault goal celebration went horribly wrong.
Peter Biaksangzuala, 23, attempted the acrobatic stunt after equalising for Bethlehem Vengthlang - a club based in the north east Indian province of Mizoram - in the 62nd minute of their match against Chanmari West last week.
The Indian midfielder landed on his back and hit his head, damaging his spinal cord in the process.
He was stretchered off the field and taken to a local hospital where he underwent surgery, but died five days later.
A source suggested that Biaksangzuala was attempting to imitate German striker Miroslav Klose's classic stunt.
The source said: "He was trying to do Germany's Klose signature flip stunt, but it misfired unfortunately."
The tragic match was part of the Mizoram Premier League, the highest state-level association football league in Mizoram, India.
Footballer backflips to death on pitch
He was trying to do Germany's Klose signature flip stunt, but it misfired unfortunately
Mizoram Football Association general secretary Lalnghinglova Hmar called Biaksangzuala "a very good and disciplined footballer" who hoped to play in the national I-League - Indian's top football competition.
Bethlehem Vengthlang coach Danny Lalduhawma added: "Peter was a lad with good manner who always maintained his discipline on and off the pitch. I don't think there are many like him."
A statement on the Mizoram Premier League's official Facebook page read: "It has been a sad day for Mizoram football and the demise of the footballer shook his team-mates, footballers and fans alike all over Mizoram.
"Peter was a defensive midfielder who had always been aggressive and hard working, a true team player."
The statement added that Bethlehem Vengthlang will retire his no. 21 jersey in tribute to the late player.
The football association is also planning to organise a match in his memory.
Biaksangzuala was a native of the eastern town of Khawzawl in the Champhai district on the Mizoram-Myanmar border.
