A man has died following a fire at playing fields in Cardiff despite the attempts by footballers playing nearby to help him.
The 40 year-old man was taken to Morriston Hospital in Swansea with severe burns following an incident at The Marl Recreation Ground in the Grangetown area of Cardiff on Saturday.
South Wales Police confirmed the man died in hospital on Saturday night.
Emergency services were called after reports of a man being on fire.
Players from both sides said their teams didn’t have to think twice about trying to help, abandoning play and using their water bottles and knocking on neighbours’ doors for water to try and help the man.
Police have since thanked all who helped for their efforts and offered support to anyone affected by the incident.
Speaking after the incident, Dean Kelly, 29, from Ely, who was playing for Grange Catholics Old Boys in their fixture against Llanedeyrn, said: "We grabbed the water bottles and tried to put the fire out. Some of my teammates went knocking on the doors of houses to get water.
"Our team and our opponents just acted how anyone would. None of us were paramedics or anything, but we just tried to help him out."
Grangetown Old Boys secretary David Knight, 48, said: “I don’t think anyone gave it a second thought.
“As soon as we saw what was happening, they just didn’t give a thought for what they needed to do – both sides.
“They were great, the Llanedeyrn boys. The way everyone reacted was superb.”
David, who has played for the club for around 25 years, added: “I was really proud of them, to be honest. Couldn’t have asked any more of them.”
Spencer Timothy, who plays for Llanedeyrn FC, echoed the praise and how the opposing teams pulled together.
Spencer, 26, who has played for the club for around five years, said: “We ran over and did what we could.
“Myself and the boys are proud of both teams, how they reacted. No one hesitated.
“That’s never nice for anyone to see but it was nice to see the both teams use their instinct and run over and try and help the guy.”
Both teams are set to return to training this week.
"Acted selflessly and did whatever they could"
Chief Inspector Karl Eenmaa said: “I would like to thank all those who tried to help the man on Saturday because they were met with a horrific situation but acted selflessly and did whatever they could.
"Despite their efforts, the man sadly died while in hospital.
“We are mindful that those who were there may be extremely disturbed by what they saw and should seek to get support if they need it.
"If they contact 101 we can advise on services available.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident and who has not yet spoken to the police is urged to contact 101 quoting reference 368856.
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/man-who-suffered-severe-burns-11940815
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