Chewing gum and playing soccer proved a dangerous mix for one
Brazilian player.
Aloisio, a striker for Vasco da Gama, wound up in the hospital
after colliding with an opponent and choking on his gum during a
second-division game Tuesday. He was released from the hospital and
avoided serious injury.
Doctors said he injured his head and stopped breathing
momentarily, the gum obstructing his airway.
“It was a very serious situation,” Vasco doctor Paulo Cesar
Rocha said Wednesday. “Luckily, we identified the problem quickly
and took the gum out to help him breathe again.”
Aloisio, making his debut as a starter for Vasco, was struck
hard in the head while challenging for a high ball near midfield
during the second half. He collapsed and lost consciousness for a
few moments.
Doctors rushed to him and an ambulance came on the field at Boca
do Jacare Stadium in Brasilia.
“I don’t remember a lot,” Aloisio told local media Wednesday. “I
only remember the doctor taking the gum out. I have never been
scared like this—no more chewing gum for me.”
Aloisio was released from the hospital hours after he was
admitted. He is barred from physical activity for at least a week
as a precaution. More tests will be done next week to determine
when he can play again.
Vasco, a four-time national champion, defeated Brasiliense 1-0.
The club was relegated to the second division after last year’s
dismal season but now leads the 20-team standings. The top four
teams will be promoted to the top tier next season.
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