A Ukrainian soccer game nearly ended in tragedy on Sunday when a player was knocked unconscious by a flying knee. Fortunately, an opponent helped save his life on the field.
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk goalkeeper Denis Boyko jumped up to catch a ball in the 25th minute and collided with Dynamo Kiev captain Oleg Gusev. Boyko’s knee hit Gusev directly in the head in one of the nastiest collisions you will ever see. Gusev was immediately knocked unconscious and fell to the ground.
In addition to being knocked out, Gusev also swallowed his tongue. Realizing what had happened, Dnipro midfielder Jaba Kankava immediately rushed over, rolled Gusev onto his back and reached into his mouth to free his airway.
Gusev ended up with a concussion and a broken jaw, but he could have lost his life. A 19-year-old soccer player died during a match in Jamaica last year after swallowing his tongue, so Gusev is fortunate Kankava and others acted so quickly. Here’s hoping he has a full and speedy recovery.
