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Guinean football player loses eye in on-field clash
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July 19, 2006 17:47 IST

Guinea's star footballer Ousmane Bangoura has lost sight in his right eye after a violent clash with a Chinese player during a recent domestic soccer league match in Beijing [Images], the state media reported on Wednesday.

Qingdao Zhongneng player Lu Gang ruptured Bangoura's right eye after his boot caught the Guinea international in his face in a Chinese Super League soccer match two weeks ago, Xinhua news agency reported.

Bangoura had the first operation in Shenyang before he was transferred to a Beijing-based hospital.

Doctors in Beijing confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Bangoura had lost the eyesight in the right eye after the second surgery, effectively announcing the end to the 26-year-old midfielder's playing career, Chinese web portal sina.com reported.

Reports said Bangoura's wife was preparing to file a civil suit against Lu.

A repenting Lu says he would take any punishment and is ready to help Bangoura.

"I would like to say sorry to him for a million times. I dare not ask him to forgive me because I cannot forgive myself in the first place but I want to do something to redeem my mistake," Lu said.

"When my coach told me that Bangoura was badly injured and may lose his eye, it seemed that I was struck by a thunderbolt. My mind went blank," Lu recalled.

"I understand no matter what action she takes against me. And I will give financial compensation to Bangoura even if without court order," the 29-year-old midfielder said.

"Besides, I hope my teammates and Jinde players can help me organise a charity game for him," he added.

Bangoura joined Shenyang from Belgium's Charleroi in April after playing a leading role in Guinea's march to the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup earlier this year.

His contract with Jinde will automatically end as compensation negotiation likely follows.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Lu received a yellow card for the accident.



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