Cheick Tiote dead aged 30 after ex-Newcastle midfielder collapses in training in China
TRIBUTES were paid to ex-Newcastle ace Cheick Tiote yesterday after his heart attack death at 30.
The star collapsed in training and was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital but doctors were unable to save the father of three - whose fourth child is reportedly due this week.
Football was united in shock at the tragedy in Beijing, China.
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker tweeted: “Dreadful news. So young. So tragic.”
Newcastle fans Ant and Dec said: “Shockingly sad. RIP, Cheick Tiote. Thanks for everything. Geordies will never forget you.”
A statement from Beijing Enterprise said: "At 6pm on June 5, Tiote fell unconscious during training. He was immediately taken to hospital but died at 7pm."
Ex-Toon team-mate Demba Ba was one of the first to confirm the tragic news by writing on Twitter: "may Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tiote."
And Tiote's agent, Emanuele Palladino, also said: "I can confirm that my client Cheick Tiote sadly passed away today."
Other clubs also paid tribute.
Man City sent “condolences to his friends and family” with skipper Vincent Kompany, who starred with him at Anderlecht in Belgium, said: “One of the nicest and toughest teammates I ever had.”
Man United wrote: “Everyone is saddened.”
Crystal Palace said: “Rest in peace, Cheick Tiote.” And West Ham added: “An incredible competitor taken far too soon.”
The Ivory Coast star played over 150 times in seven years for the Toon before joining Beijing Enterprises in February.
Tiote kick-started his career at Belgian side Anderlecht before sealing a move to FC Twente in 2008.
He then joined Newcastle United in a £3.5million deal in 2010 and quickly became a favourite amongst the Toon supporters following an impressive debut against Everton.
The tough tackling midfield enforcer scored one league goal for the club which came in the dramatic 4-4 draw against Arsenal in 2011.
The difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest
BOTH can be deadly, but a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are not the same thing.
HEART ATTACK
A heart attack is when one of the coronary arteries becomes blocked.
The heart muscle is then robbed of vital oxygenated blood, which if left untreated, can cause the heart muscle to begin to die.
A heart attack is a life-threatening emergency.
If you think someone is suffering one, it is important to dial 999 straight away.
The signs you could be suffering a heart attack
Heart attack symptoms can be difficult to spot for sure, because they can vary from person to person.
The most common signs include:
chest pain, tightness, heaviness, pain or a burning feeling in your chest pain in the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach for some people the pain and tightness will be severe, while for others it will just feel uncomfortable sweating feeling light-headed becoming short of breath feeling nauseous or vomiting
CARDIAC ARREST
A cardiac arrest happens when your heart suddenly stops pumping blood around your body.
Someone who has had a cardiac arrest will collapse unconscious.
Their breathing will be irregular, and may stop, and they will be unresponsive.
When a cardiac arrest happens there is no time to lose, it is a life-threatening emergency and calling 999 is vital.
While waiting for an ambulance performing CPR can help keep a person alive.
To perform CPR:
perform chest compression – pumping the heart from outside the body to keep blood flowing until the ambulance arrives rescue breathing – mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to inflate the lungs
Both heart attack and cardiac arrest are life-threatening emergencies… dial 999 immediately if you suspect someone is having either.
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His goal sent the home fans into raptures as it completed one of the greatest comebacks in Premier League history with Newcastle 4-0 behind at half-time.
Following seven years with Newcastle, he signed for Chinese second division side Beijing Enterprises for an undisclosed fee.
Tiote also represented his country Ivory Coast 52 times and guided the country to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2015.
Tributes also poured in from football heavyweights.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer said: "Devastating news of the death of Cheick Tiote. RIP."
Toon boss Rafael Benitez labelled Tiote a 'great man' after learning of his death.
He said: "It is with great sadness that I have this afternoon learned of Cheick's death.
"In all the time that I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated and above all, a great man."
Arsenal's Hector Bellerin wrote: "RIP Cheick Tiote #LetsChangeTheGame".
A statement posted on Newcastle's official website read: "We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of Cheick Tiote at the age of just 30.
"The thoughts of everyone at Newcastle United are with Cheick's family, friends, teammates and everyone connected with the clubs he represented."
The dad of three hit headlines in 2014 for having two wives and a mistress.
Wife and mum-of-two Madah, 28, lived in his £1.5million home near Newcastle. Lover Nikki Mpofu, 33 — mum to his son — was in a £500,000 pad. She left when he wed Doukrou Laeticia in his home country.
The star’s spokesman said: “With deep sadness I confirm he passed away after collapsing.”
In April former Tottenham coach Ugo Ehiogu tragically passed away after suffering a cardiac interest at the clubs training ground.