Footballer Jojo Amaah launches legal action against Southern league after on-field cardiac arrest

Southern league footballer Jojo Amaah says he has more questions than answers over an incident in which he had a cardiac arrest on the field. PAUL AMY and TYLER LEWIS reveal why he is taking legal action.

Footballer Jojo Ofosu-Amaah is launching legal action against the Southern league. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

A footballer who suffered a cardiac arrest on the ground is taking legal action against the Southern league over its investigation into the incident.

Lawyers acting for Keysborough player Jojo Amaah have called on the Southern Football Netball League to release its findings into what happened to the 26-year-old in the match against Skye on April 22.

Amaah has also called for calm ahead of the return game between the clubs, saying some people “may be planning on taking matters into their own hands”.

The Southern league said two weeks ago there was not enough evidence to make a report over the incident.

Amaah, a male model, fell to the ground about 50m off the ball in the game at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve.

His heart stopped for about five minutes and he was revived on the ground by trainers from both clubs and a nurse who was watching her husband play for Skye.

Amaah’s treatment on the ground was delayed by a faulty defibrillator and a gate giving ambulance access to the ground that was locked.

Amaah suffered a cardiac arrest during a football game after he was allegedly punched. Picture: Facebook/Instagram

During his stay at The Vincent Heart Hospital, doctors discovered a condition with his heart called myocardial bridging syndrome.

He underwent six hours of surgery.

His family maintains he had no history of seizures before the incident.

The Southern league investigated the episode and found there was “too much conflicting evidence to substantiate a reportable’’ charge.

Amaah released a statement on social media saying he had been punched in the chest before a scuffle.

He also said he had been told he was hit from behind.

This morning he released a statement through Polaris Lawyers, saying he and his family had more questions than answers.

“No one from the league has spoken to me or other key witnesses, and the findings of the investigation have not been released,’’ Amaah said.

“We have now engaged Polaris Lawyers to ensure that there is a full investigation, and to ensure that questions are answered about what happened and how it can be avoided in the future.

“Recently, we have become aware that some people within the league may be planning on taking matters into their own hands at a game between Keysborough and Skye on July 1. The possibility of more violence and harm is abhorrent to me and my family.

“We urge all players, spectators and club and league officials to remain calm, to await the findings of a full investigation, and to avoid doing anything which might cause further harm and injury.’’

Lawyers have been engaged as Amaah and his family seek more answers over the incident. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Polaris Lawyers principal Nick Mann said the Southern league “has clearly not thoroughly investigated’’ the incident and “the series of failings which could have resulted in his death but for the quick thinking and medical care of witnesses on site’’.

“As a result, the league still cannot tell us exactly what happened, and what it can and will do to avoid this happening to others,’’ he said.

“We have written to the league and called on it to release its findings and to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of everyone who attends the July 1 match between Skye and Keysborough. To date we have not received a response.

“Anyone who wants justice for Jojo and has information about what happened should contact Polaris Lawyers, rather than trying to take matters into their own hands.

“We look forward to doing everything we can to get justice for Jojo.’’

The Southern league has made no decision about the return game at Keysborough Reserve on July 1.

Skye declined to comment this morning.

Keysborough and Southern have been contacted.

Originally published as Footballer Jojo Amaah launches legal action against Southern league after on-field cardiac arrest