FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.03.2009 13:31

Touré: “It’s an absolute tragedy”

www.fcbarcelona.cat

The Ivory Coast midfielder was visibly moved by the crush which killed 22 people during his national side’s game. He has sent a message of solidarity and hopes to do well in the World Cup for all the victims.

Tragedy has struck again at a football ground. This Sunday 22 people died and hundreds were hurt during a crush in the stands before the World Cup qualifying game between Ivory Coast and Malawi. Touré Yaya, who missed the game through injury and so stayed in Barcelona, spoke to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat.

Football in mourning

“It’s an absolute tragedy. We all know this is a tough time and I’d like to send my support,” he said. “It’s a very serious situation that’s hard for us and for football as it’s not the first time.” Touré says he has never experienced anything like it and explained that in Ivory Coast international games draw big crowds as people like to see the Europe-based players.

First impressions

The Barça midfielder soon found out about what had happened at the Houphouet-Boigny Arena. “After the game I spoke to skipper Didier Drogba, my brother Kolo Touré and the coach,” he said. “We may have won but there was a tragedy and that’s hard because they’re Ivory Coast fans and we know them well.”

“We need to do well in this competition for all those who have died,” he added.