Footballer suffers severe spinal injury after freak collision with goalkeeper (Warning: Disturbing footage)

A Congolese player is in intensive care after an innocuous collision with the opposition goalkeeper had sickening consequences.

Rudy Bhebey Ndey of the AC Léopards was rushing through on goal in a CAF Confederation Cup tie with Zamalek when he jumped to avoid colliding with goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shennawy. Horrifically, the 29-year-old landed almost right on top of his head and suffered spinal cord concussion, a fifth cervical vertebra dislocation, and bruises to the spinal cord and the sixth cervical vertebrae. Just to warn you that the footage is not easy to watch... https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=45&v=HUuAWV80kEo The Congolese player was immediately taken to hospital and according to online reports underwent successful surgery. According to the doctor who treated the player, the medical procedures were a success:

"He arrived with serious damage to his spinal column between his fifth and sixth vertebra, a blow to the spinal cord, breathing difficulties and brain bleeding, but the surgery was successful.

"We will contact his doctors in Congo. I cannot reassure you about his condition yet, and he will remain in the Intensive Care Unit for two days, where he is currently using a ventilator.

Egyptian journalist Amr N. Fahmy has provided further updates. Although good news, the very fact that "moving his hand" is seen as a positive sign shows the tragic and life-changing severity of the injuries: https://twitter.com/amrnfahmy/status/625736002628403200 https://twitter.com/amrnfahmy/status/625807436750934017 Let's hope so. There by the grace of God and all that.