Czech Republic Striker Josef Sural Killed In Car Crash

By Max Wise

Czech Republic international striker, Josef Sural, has been killed in a car crash in Turkey whiles returning from an away game with his club Alanyaspor.

The 28-year-old only joined the Turkish top-flight club in the January transfer window from Sparta Prague, and has made nine appearances in the league, scoring one goal.

Sural was an unused substitute in Alanyaspor’s 1-1 draw away to Kayserispor on Sunday.

Sural was one of seven Alanyaspor players travelling in a private minibus when the unfortunate incident occurred, although his other colleagues were lucky to escape with minor injuries.

Former England international, Steven Caulker, and ex-Newcastle United striker, Papiss Cisse were part of those on board.

Alanyaspor chairman, Hasan Cavusoglu, claims the accident occurred because the driver at the wheel had fallen asleep.

'According to information I received from our police chief, despite there being two drivers on the vehicle, they were both asleep. The crash happened as a result of them both being asleep,' Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency quoted Cavusoglu as saying.

On Twitter, the club posted: "We have learned with deep sorrow that Josef Sural lost his life as a result of an accident carrying seven football players from Alanyaspor."

“Despite all efforts by the doctors of Alanya Private Anatolian Hospital, our Czech footballer Josef Sural has passed away after the VIP van that was carrying seven of our players crashed."

Sural earned 20 caps for the Czech Republic after making his debut in 2015, and was a member of the national side at EURO 2016 in France.

The Czech Republic FA said on Twitter: "The Football Association of the Czech Republic has accepted with great grief the news that the representative striker Josef Sural died tragically in Turkey. We'll never forget you, Pepo!"

Arsenal goalkeeper and former Czech Republic international, Petr Cech, was one of the first people to offer condolences to his departed comrade.

He tweeted: "Sad news from this morning. Sincere condolences to the family and to all the loved ones. R.i.p."