AAP Soccer

Man dies in soccer final as club mourns 'our brother'

By AAP Newswire

Aug 31, 2024

Paramedics try to resuscitate a man — A community is in mourning after a man died during a local soccer grand final in Sydney's west. -AAP Image

A man has died during a local soccer grand final, leading to the cancellation of other games as the community mourns.

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Emergency services were called to Binalong Park at Old Toongabbie in Sydney's west about 1.40pm on Saturday following reports of concerns for welfare during a sporting match, NSW Police said in a statement.

A man in his 40s was found unconscious and declared dead at the scene.

While NSW Police said the man was yet to be formally identified, Auburn FC named him as Volkan Ergun, one of the club's all-age team players "and our brother".

"Our hearts are broken and no words can describe the pain we are feeling at the moment during this time of grieving," the club posted on social media.

Granville and Districts Soccer Football Association said remaining matches at Binalong Park would be abandoned and two other matches at Auburn on Saturday night would be postponed.

"Our thoughts are with our family at Auburn FC, and out of respect to the club we've decided to postpone the final two matches featuring All Age Mens Auburn FC teams tonight at Melita Stadium, and suspend all games at Binalong Park," the association's chair Steve Elriche said.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press