Club grieves for footy player
A young suburban footballer has died after he collapsed on the field during a game in Melbourne’s north.
Northern Saints reserves captain Mohammed Allouche, 22, died in the Alfred Hospital after he collapsed immediately after kicking a goal in a match against Avondale Heights at Fawkner on Saturday.
• Football hits ‘worse than facing Muhammad Ali’
Northern Saints president Mick Caruso said he called the ambulance after he saw Mr Allouche kick the goal and collapse.
He said the player he knew as “Moe” was much loved, and everyone at the club was devastated.
“Moe is a lovely kid around the club,” Mr Caruso said.
“He spent a few years in our juniors and just recently became a senior player and he was liked by everyone around the club. Just a character.”
The football club posted a message on its Facebook page on Sunday morning, saying the club was in “a state of mourning”.
“Our hearts are heavy, our eyes welling with tears, our sympathies go out to Moe’s mother and father and siblings,” it read.
“We will never forget the inconsolable scenes we witnessed yesterday.
“We are deeply shocked and in a state of disbelief at this time, it is hard to talk without a stutter and tremble in your voice.
“Moe was our captain of the seconds team, a person that wasn’t only popular and loved, but a person at only the tender age of 22 that commanded respect from people young and old.
“This is why he was the captain and leader.”
The Essendon District Football League has sent its condolences to those affected.