Updated at 11.46
SHELBOURNE FC HAVE confirmed that Academy U16 player, Izzy Dezu, died suddenly after collapsing during a match last night.
Dezu had been playing in a game against St Kevin’s Boys in the Dublin and District Schoolboys League U16 Premier Division when the incident occurred.
A statement from the club read: “We are heartbroken to have to confirm the news that our Academy U16 player, Izzy Dezu, collapsed and died during a match last night.
“The thoughts of everyone at Shelbourne FC are with his family and friends who have been devastated by his tragic loss.
“May he rest in peace.”
The Football Association of Ireland were among those paying tribute to the late player.
A statement from the organisation read: “The Football Association of Ireland expresses its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Shelbourne Under 16 player Izzy Dezu, who passed away suddenly during a DDSL match against St Kevin’s Boys last night, at the AUL Complex in Dublin.
“The striker had been in fantastic form for Shelbourne this season and was widely regarded as one of the most promising players at this age level in the country.”
FAI CEO John Delaney added: “Everyone involved in Irish football is deeply saddened by the loss of Izzy Dezu at such a young age, particularly in these tragic circumstances.
“On behalf of the FAI Board and everyone in the Association, I would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Izzy’s family, friends, team mates and his club, Shelbourne FC. We will pay a special tribute to Izzy at the next Senior Men’s home international at the Aviva Stadium in 2018.”
We are heartbroken to have to confirm the news that our Academy U16 player, Izzy Dezu, collapsed and died during a match last night.
— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) December 13, 2017
The thoughts of everyone at Shelbourne FC are with his family and friends who have been devastated by his tragic loss.
May he rest in peace.
Our thoughts & prayers are with young Izzy Dezu, his family, friends & everyone at @shelsfc. Several of our current U17 team played with Izzy at our partner club @CherryOrchardFC for a number of years & will remember him fondly. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
— St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) December 13, 2017
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