Former Liverpool and Sunderland defender Sebastian Coates’ quick-thinking saved a team-mate’s life at the weekend.
The Uruguayan is currently playing for Sporting Lisbon in Portugal and started their 4-2 defeat against Portimonense.
As goalkeeper Romain Salin attempted to keep out the hosts’ second goal, he collided with the post and was knocked unconscious.
Coates saw that his team-mate was in trouble and acted quickly, placing two fingers into Salin’s mouth to stop him swallowing his tongue, one of the substitutes warming up behind the goal also rushed to help.
He frantically waved at Sporting’s medical side to come on and assist, with his actions ensuring that the incident did not have a tragic end.
Salin was treated on the pitch and taken to hospital, before the game resumed – and Coates was praised for his efforts:
Grande @SebastianCoates 👏👏👏👏
— 💯🦇Razadeperro🦇💯 (@razadeperro) October 9, 2018
First class all the way. He more than deserves the Captains armband
— Paul Rodrigues (@pauljrod) October 8, 2018
On his 28th birthday, Sebastián Coates was a busy man.
In the league game vs. Portimonense, Coates had to lend some medical help to his goalkeeper who was involved in a bad collision.
Coates pulled the GK's tongue out of his throat to prevent choking.
He also scored a goal. 💪 pic.twitter.com/GW8vdz3MQO
— Warriors of Uruguay (@UruguayanHeroes) October 7, 2018
Coates did score later in the game, but Sporting lost 4-2.
More importantly, though, Salin is expected to make a full recovery.
Matt Storey – Yahoo Sports UK.