Keysborough footy player fears violence at upcoming match against Skye

A talented Keysborough footy player, who claims an on-field punch sent him into cardiac arrest, fears vigilantes could wreak havoc at an upcoming match against Skye.

Mr Ofosu-Amaah with off-duty nurse Briesha Bormann who gave him CPR at the game.

A Keysborough footy player, who claims an on-field strike sent him into cardiac arrest, fears vigilantes could wreak havoc at an upcoming match.

Jojo Ofosu-Amaah, 26, was allegedly punched before a fight erupted between players during the Southern Football Netball League Division 2 game against Skye.

The young gun fell to the ground about 50m off the ball, had a seizure and went into a cardiac arrest on April 22.

Mr Ofosu-Amaah was given CPR by an off-duty nurse before a defibrillator was used to bring him back to life after his heart stopped for five minutes.

He was rushed to hospital where he underwent open heart surgery for six hours.

The footy player was later diagnosed with myocardial bridging syndrome, a condition in which one or more of the arteries goes through the heart muscle instead of lying on its surface.

The league said the incident was “fully investigated” under by-laws but there was “insufficient evidence” to bring a charge.

Mr Ofosu-Amaah underwent a six-hour open heart surgery.

His heart stopped for five minutes.

But in a statement released on Tuesday, Mr Ofosu-Amaah said he feared violence would erupt at a match against Skye next month.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Ofosu-Amaah said Polaris Lawyers will conduct a full investigation into the incident.

“Despite repeatedly urging the SFNL to investigate the events which lead to my collapse and hospitalisation on April 22, my family and I are left with more questions than answers,” he said.

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

“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.”

Mr Ofosu-Amaah’s lawyer said the footy player could have died.

Mr Ofosu-Amaah’s lawyer, Nick Mann, said the young footballer could have died.

“The SFNL has clearly not thoroughly investigated what happened to Jojo during the match against Skye in April, and the series of failings which could have resulted in his death but for the quick thinking and medical care of witnesses on site,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Mann urged the league to release its findings about the incident.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Victoria Police said they were “aware of an incident” but it appeared to be a “medical incident and not a police matter”.