23-year-old Emirati football player dies in traffic accident

Abu Dhabi - He had moved to Al Dhafra from city-based Al Jazira football club.

An Emirati football player died in a road accident in Abu Dhabi on Friday, sending shock waves through the UAE sporting community. Mohammed Abdullah Al Hammadi was a defender in the main team of Al Dhafra football club.
"It was a traffic accident. Everyone at the club is deeply saddened and shocked by the loss," an official from the club said. According to Arabic media reports, the young man's car crashed into a pole in the Khalifa City.
The 23-year-old defender had moved to Al Dhafra from Al Jazira football club.
Paying tribute to Al Hammadi, Al Jazira club said: "It is a painful news. We offer our condolences to the family of our former player." Both Al Dhafra and Al Jazira are part of the UAE Arabian Gulf League.
The UAE Pro League Committee, the organising body of football leagues in the country, lamented the loss of a "talented player".
"We offer our sincere condolences on the death of Mohammed Abdullah Al Hammadi. May God give strength to his family to cope with the loss," the committee said.
Even as a defender, Al Hammadi had scored six career goals from 59 matches played between 2014 and 2017 seasons of the Arabian Gulf League, Arabian Gulf Cup, Reserve League and Under 21 formats.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com