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Czech Republic international Josef Sural dies after bus crash in Turkey which left six other footballers hospitalised

Josef Sural joined Alanyaspor from Sparta Prague in January. (Credit: Getty Images)
Josef Sural joined Alanyaspor from Sparta Prague in January. (Credit: Getty Images)

Czech Republic international Josef Sural has died after a bus crash in Turkey on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, who played for Aytemiz Alanyaspor, died in hospital after the collision which happened on the return journey from a game at Kayserispor.

It is claimed by the club’s chairman Hasan Cavusoglu that the driver of the mini bus - which had been rented by seven of the club’s players - had fallen asleep at the wheel.

The crash happened just three miles from the destination of Alanya.

The club posted on Twitter: "We have learned with deep sorrow that Josef Sural lost his life as a result of an accident carrying seven football players from Alanyaspor."

Cavusoglu added the six other players on board were not in critical condition.

One-time England international Steven Caulker and former Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse, who both play for Alanyaspor, were reportedly on the bus but avoided serious injury.

The Football Association of the Czech Republic said on Twitter: "The Football Association of the Czech Republic has accepted with great grief the news that therepresentative striker Josef Sural died tragically in Turkey. We'll never forget you, Pepo!"

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech, a former Czech Republic international, wasamong the first to offer his condolences.

He tweeted: "Sad news from this morning. Sincere condolences to thefamily and to all the loved ones. R.i.p."

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