Footballer stable after being struck by lightning

An Australian-Syrian football player for a Malaysian team was struck by lighting during a team practice, a state football official said.

Kuala Lumpur - An Australian-Syrian football player for a Malaysian team was struck by lighting during a team practice, a state football official said Wednesday

Marco Stefen Petrovsi, a reserve goalkeeper for Melaka United, lost consciousness and was treated at Melaka Hospital in Malacca, about 120 kilometres south of Kuala Lumpur, according to tournament official Khairi Anuar Ahmad.

“His condition is stable and his breathing is supported with a ventilator,” hospital chief Za'aba Baba said.

A teammate hit by the same strike was also taken to hospital and has regained consciousness, Khairi added.

The victims, along with 25 other team mates, were doing training drills on the pitch at Padang Sepuluh Tuesday evening when the lightning hit. – DPA