Keysborough footy player seeking legal advice over on-field punch

A talented Keysborough footy player, who claims a punch sent him into cardiac arrest, is seeking legal advice after a probe resulted in no charges or sanctions.

Jojo Ofosu-Amaah suffered a cardiac arrest during a footy game after he was allegedly punched.

A talented Keysborough footy player, who claims an on-field strike sent him into cardiac arrest, is seeking legal advice after a probe resulted in no charges or sanctions.

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.

A SFNL spokesman 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.

Mr Ofosu-Amaah told the Herald Sun he was devastated by the decision and had contacted Gordon Legal over the incident.

“We are discussing all of our legal options at the moment,” he said.

Mr Ofosu-Amaah said he had no history of seizures and believed his cardiac arrest was sparked by the punch.

“I want everyone to know that I’m absolutely shattered,” he said on social media.

“My life was changed forever on (April 22) when during the match I put a block on and was punched in the chest before a scuffle broke out ...”

The SFNL spokesman said statements were taken from players and officials of both clubs and match day officials.

“As part of the investigation, discussions were held and guidance sought from Victoria Police and other relevant third parties,” he said.

“An independent and accredited investigator was also externally engaged to assess and make any recommendations in relation to further action by the SFNL, based on their review of the available evidence.

“Following consideration of the assembled evidence, including witness statements, video evidence and discussions with the above third parties, it was determined there was insufficient evidence to corroborate the bringing of a charge against any individual in relation to the incident, by the league under the by-laws.”

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

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

It’s understood an outdated defibrillator was originally used to try and revive Mr Ofosu-Amaah but it didn’t work, forcing a second one to be grabbed.

“The league is supporting all member clubs to ensure they have functional defibrillators available and readily accessible and to reinforce that clear access for emergency response to playing arenas must always be maintained on match days,” the SFNL spokesman said.

“The SFNL is committed to the health and welfare of all our sporting participants and will continue to the best of our ability, to support Jojo in his full recovery.”

Mr Ofosu-Amaah said he wanted justice.

“I will not back down,” he said.

“All I want is justice and for no other player to go through what my family, teammates, coaches, trainers and I have gone through.”

Skye Football Netball Club were contacted for comment.