Friday, January 1st, 2021
"Not in mortal danger"
Böller seriously injured ex-Bundesliga professional
Omar Elabdellaoui has played 29 times in the Bundesliga, the Norwegian is vice-captain of his national team. In an accident on New Year's Eve, the professional is now seriously injured, but there is no danger to life. But there are concerns about the player's eyesight.
Football professional Omar Elabdellaoui apparently seriously injured himself during New Year's Eve celebrations. The former Braunschweig resident, currently under contract with the Turkish record champions Galatasaray, suffered burns on his face, an eye injury and wounds on his hand in an accident at his house, according to the club. Elabdellaoui is said to have exploded a firework in hand. Galatasaray confirmed the accident that the player had been taken to hospital. "His life is not in danger," said the club, saying the professional footballer was conscious.
Galatasaray's vice president Abdurrahim Albayrak, coach Fatih Terim and Arda Turan had rushed to the hospital to visit Elabdellaoui. According to media reports, research is being carried out into the extent to which eyesight could have been impaired. Albayrak told Turkish media Elabdellaoui could speak and respond to the doctors. Omar's eyes will be washed, then one will know more. The Norwegian is "our heart, our lungs".
There was anger among the gala officials over pictures of the injured player that were shared on social media. "The player has three children," said Albayrak, adding that the spread of the images was unscrupulous. Congratulations came immediately from Galatasaray's local rivals Fenerbace Istanbul: "We wish Galatasaray Sports Club footballer Omar Elabdellaoui a speedy recovery and hope he recovers as soon as possible."
Elabdellaoui had already hit the headlines unintentionally in autumn. After a positive corona test with the vice-captain, the entire Norwegian national team was quarantined. The international match in the Nations League against Romania had to be canceled.
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