In many parts of the world, soccer is a religion. While the general population is fairly divided on where they stand with regard to the creation and origins of the universe, they are much less divided on the significance of soccer. However, passion often breeds hate, and hate breeds violence. Violent attacks or even deaths have been quite frequent in the game of soccer. Several examples can be found – from the stampedes in the UK that had officials considering suspending England and/or English fans from FIFA competitions to shootings in South America orchestrated by criminals for poor performances in soccer matches.
Today’s case is rather different albeit still heartbreaking as a player for Panama’s national soccer team has been shot dead in the city of Colón.
Another soccer star gone too soon
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26-year-old Panamanian soccer player Gilberto Hernández was shot dead by gunmen, who injured several others in the attack. The shooting took place at a gathering inside a building whether Hernández was present. No details about the case have been made clear, including the intended target of the attack and the motive of the shooting. The shooting took place on Sunday in the afternoon.
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Two gunmen reportedly forced a taxi driver to drop them off at a building in the Barrio Norte neighborhood where they started shooting. While they fled the scene immediately, a suspect has been arrested in a nearby apartment.
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Gang rivalries, drug smuggling, and general criminal behavior have caused a big spike in the murder rate in Colón over the past couple of months. Colón, a port city, is situated at the north entrance to the Panama Canal. Hence, it became a transit point for cocaine smuggled from South America to Europe. The city, which has just 40,000 residents, has seen over 50 deaths so far this year.
A glimpse into the career of Gilberto Hernández
In March this year, Hernández made his international debut for the Panama national team against Guatemala. The 26-year-old center-back, who made his club debut in 2018, had only played soccer in Panama. In his time, he represented Árabe Unido, Herrera F.C., and C.A. Independiente.
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The player’s father has spoken publicly since the incident, urging the youth of Colón “to stop the violence.” Similarly, he has called on authorities to “launch projects to save the youth from this violence.” Addressing his son’s assailants, he has asked them to not cause more harm and hand themselves in. Panama’s soccer federation and Gilberto Hernández’s club, C.A. Independiente, have expressed their condolences to his family following the tragic incident.
