Cristiano Junior

Cristiano S. de Lima Junior (1980 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - December 5, 2004 in Bangalore, India) was a striker for Dempo Sports Club, Panaji, Goa.

Junior collided with Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Subrata Paul, in the 78th minute of the Federation Cup finals. While scoring his second goal after chasing the ball into the box, he collided with the keeper, staggered away and then collapsed. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. The game continued after Junior was taken off the field. He was dead on arrival at Hosmat Hospital. Dempo won the Cup 2-0.

Junior, who was the highest paid footballer in India, signed up for Dempo in September 2004. He had only recently moved to Dempo on a transfer from Kolkata's East Bengal F.C. where he had formed a lethal strike partnership with India's ace footballer Baichung Bhutia in helping his team to the league title in the 2003-2004 season.

Bangalore's police commissioner said the autopsy revealed that Junior died of cardiac arrest. Dempo has announced it will retire Junior's #10 shirt. It filed a complaint of criminal negligence against Subrata Paul, Hosmat Hospital, and the Karnataka State Football Association, the local organizers. Paul was suspended for 2 months. [ [http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/28/stories/2004122807772000.htm The Hindu : Sport / Football : Two-month suspension for Subrata Paul ] ]

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