Tributes to talented soccer star Izzy, 16
MICHAEL D Higgins has led tributes to a 16-yearold soccer player who died after collapsing at a match.
Izzy Dezu was playing for Under-16 Shelbourne FC in a league decider against St. Kevin’s Boys FC when he collapsed on the pitch.
Emergency services tried to resuscitate the talented teenager after he collapsed in the second half of the match at the Athletic Union League complex in Clonshaugh, Dublin, on Tuesday, but he was later pronounced dead.
The president, in a statement yesterday, said: ‘It is with great sadness that I have heard of the death of Izzy Dezu, a brilliant young member of Shelbourne FC’s Under-16 Academy.
“To his family, fellow players, friends and to Shelbourne FC I offer my sympathy at their tragic loss.’
Paramedics from Dublin Fire Brigade arrived and the young player was taken by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Shelbourne FC also paid tribute to Izzy, saying they were ‘heartbroken’ over the death.
It said: ‘We are heartbroken to have to confirm the news that our Academy U16 player, Izzy Dezu, collapsed and died during a match. The thoughts of everyone at Shelbourne FC are with his family and friends who have been devastated by his tragic loss.’
The Football Association of Ireland were saddened by the loss of Izzy who they said was regarded as one of the most promising young players in the country.
‘[Izzy] had been in fantastic form for Shelbourne this season,” the statement added.
The FAI is to pay a special tribute to Izzy at the next Senior Men’s home international at the Aviva Stadium in 2018.