Football World Mourns Tragic Death

Foe on international duty

The 28-year-old former West Ham United and Manchester City star was carried off of the field at the Gerland Stadium, Lyon after falling over in the 72nd minute of the semi-final of the FIFA-recognised tournament. Team-mates and officials surrounded the tall midfielder, but the appearance of medics and subsequent treatment for forty-five minutes failed to resuscitate the international. The tournament continues despite the death, but France striker Thierry Henry summed up the players' feelings when he pointed to the sky in 'celebration' of his opener in France's 3-2 win over Turkey in the other semi-final, which took place just hours later. The final, between France and Cameroon, is sure to be a sombre occasion. We at The Little Gazette would like to add our own condolences to Marc's family and friends at this sad time.

Foe began his career in his native Cameroon, but joined French side Lens in 1997. Rumours abounded about a move to Manchester United on the eve of the 1998 World Cup, but a broken leg just prior to the competition put paid to that. However, he did make a £4 million move to English football a year later when he joined West Ham in January 1999. Whilst there the six-foot three-inch dynamic midfielder made 48 appearances, scoring twice. A move back to France beckoned sixteen months later, and he joined Olympic Lyonnias, who he was contracted to at the time of his death, for £6 million. Whilst in France he made 57 appearances, scoring thrice, but he will be remembered by Manchester City fans after joining them on a season-long loan deal last season. At City he played in 38 games, netting nine times, the last of which was the last goal ever to be scored at Maine Road. In an emotional tribute on BBC Radio 5 Live last night, ex-manager Harry Redknapp revelaed that he had plans to speak to his old employee yesterday evening with a view to him joining Portsmouth.

Of course, Southend United fans experienced this just over two years ago when referee Mike North collapsed and died of a heart attack in injury time at the end of the first half of the Nationwide League Division Three match against Mansfield Town. That match was postponed and re-arranged in landmark manner after the end of the regular season, and then boss David Webb donated many of the gate proceeds to North's family. It is not yet known whether Foe's death was of similar causes or whether other medical conditions were to blame.

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com