Footballers from Blackburn helped to save the life of an opposition player at a tournament in Bury.

The five-a-side competition was taking place at Bury College this weekend when a footballer swallowed his tongue after a tackle in the semi-final game between FC Palitacal and Keighley.

It later transpired the player had also suffered a cardiac arrest but footballers were not aware of this at the time.

He thanked the players for ‘saving his life’ from his hospital bed yesterday. Kal Esat was at the game to support the team from Blackburn, FC Palitacal.

He said the 21-year-old player from Keighley was involved in an innocuous challenge and then collapsed having got up.

Panic set in amongst the players and bystanders following the recent incident involving Christian Eriksen who had collapsed after a cardiac arrest in the European Championships game for Denmark against Finland.

Kal said: “The challenge was not that serious and it seems as if he had just got winded at first. But then we realised something major was happening.

“Human reactions kicked in myself and three friends from the Blackburn team ran straight over to help him out. It was the scariest moment of my life and I have never been in a situation like this.

“We actually lost him on two occasions but quick reactions from Shakeel Butt and other members of the Blackburn team got his heart pumping again.

“Massive respect and credit to Shaky pulling the player’s tongue out and clearing the airways and getting him breathing again it was all him who did the main parts of keeping this brother alive.”

Players helped perform CPR before an ambulance arrived and the footballer was taken to hospital for checks. He is said to be recovering and was kept in overnight.

Kal said: “We are not qualified first aiders but the basics of putting someone into a recovery position and knowing little things to get him going made the difference. I’m so proud of Shakeel.”

Shakeel, who was part of the Blackburn team at the time, said: “It was important not to panic. I am glad he is fine.” “He seemed to be struggling breathing and he was losing consciousness.

“It was important to act quickly.” In a message to the Blackburn team the player said: “I just wanted to say thank to you and your team and thank so much for helping me yesterday (Sunday June 20). I suffered a cardiac arrest and your boys kept me alive. May Allah reward you all in this life and the hereafter.”

Kal wanted to urged people to have first aiders around even at small-sided tournaments.

He said: “Sometimes they might not even be used but the one time they could be used they may save a life.

“I think players themselves need to let their team-mates know of any medical conditions. If you have collapsed before and been through some kind of trauma please let a friend know. At least they will know and can pass on information when paramedics arrive.”

“If you are on any medication let your friends know so they can pass on the information to paramedics too. Also always have one of your friends have the phone number for one of your family members.”

The team from Blackburn went on to win the tournament after it resumed.