A Metro Detroit soccer referee has suffered serious injuries after being struck in the head by a ball during a match at University of Detroit Jesuit High School.
Samir Alnasir, 51, was officiating the game on August 27 when a kicked ball hit him in the back of the head. Video of the incident shows the official, wearing a bright green shirt at midfield, collapsing moments after the impact.
Alnasir suffered four fractured bones in his neck, a concussion, a blood clot on his brain and nerve damage, according to a fundraising appeal launched by his family.
Soccer referee faces six-month recovery
He is now on strict bed rest and wearing a metal stabilisation device while his neck heals. Doctors expect his recovery to take about six months, followed by therapy, during which he will be unable to work.
Alnasir is a married father of four and also cares for a bedridden son who needs a kidney. His wife is now responsible for supporting the household while caring for her husband, their children and their medically fragile son.
“At 51 years old, Samir has always worked hard and put his family first,” family member Latif Alnasir said in the fundraising appeal. “He is well known and respected in his community through his work as a soccer referee and captain.”
“His wife is now carrying the weight of caring for Samir, their children, and their son while trying to keep the home running,” he added.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover the family’s expenses and provide support while Alnasir undergoes treatment and rehabilitation.
