Atletico Madrid Youngster Dies After Dugout Collapses

[Badboy 1,526]

The nine-year old was on the bench as it collapsed on top of him...

A nine-year old Atletico Madrid player has died after the dugout collapsed on him during a match last Saturday.

Diego Alcala Rivero was sitting on the bench whilst his team were playing and suffered serious injuries after the incident.

He was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Madrid with trauma to the skull but passed away this morning.

The club released a statement today expressing their condolences and sadness at the incident.

"We want to send our sincerest condolences to the relatives of Diego Alcala Rivero in the name of the rojiblanco family," it reads.

"Atletico Madrid would like to thank the great level of support and affection received from all over Spain, both from clubs, institutions and privately."

Miguel de las Cuevas also had a few words from the players at the club about how they want to win this Sunday for the youngster.

"I wish to send our condolences to the family of Diego, the team is very hurt. The family has our support and we will see on Sunday if we can win for him. It is a day of mourning for all of us and we want to beat Barcelona for him," he said.

Cross-town neighbours, Real Madrid, also sent a message to Atletico, along with a bouquet of flowers.

"From all the board of directors and every fan we wish to send our condolences to the family of Diego Alcala Rivero," read the message.

Local police will be investigating the death.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com

[Alee. 182]

How the hell did the Dug Out collapse?

[Steve 10,227]

so sad, he was so young i dont understand how it can just collapse.

RIP Diego

[.Cee 50]

The family should sue the hell out of the club for not maintaining their facilities properly. It cost them their son, FGS!

RIP

[Kez 2,727]

This shouldn't of happened!

RIP

[terry26 6]

OMFG no way

RIP little man - shame man - 9 years old

yeh someone needs to explain to those people and the family how the dug out collapses