20-year-old Anzhi footballer Gasan Magomedov shot dead in Russia

Gasan Magomedov

Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala and the footballing world were dealt a blow today by the passing away of 20-year-old footballer Gasan Magomedov. According to reports, the youngster was shot and killed near his home in Russia’s volatile North Caucasus region.

Gasan, who was a youth player at the club was on his way to his parental house located at Novokuli village of the Kumtorkalinsky region. The young footballer’s car was attacked with automatic weapons while he was just a few metres away from his house. He died whilst on his way to the hospital.

So far, no arrests have been made and the police are yet to find any cause for the murder. Gasan was a regular feature in the team’s youth and reserve teams.

Anzhi had been regular challengers for the Russian league in the past with players like Roberto Carlos, Samuel Eto’o and Willian leading their charge. However, recent violence in the region and financial instability brought in by Suleyman Kerimov’s decision to cut down finances resulted in Anzhi’s relegation into the second tier of the Russian League.

Even in those days, the players used to put up at Moscow in order to avoid Dagestan’s security risk.

Anzhi’s General Director Sergey Korablev said in a statement issued by the club: “We condole with Gasan`s family. I hope the law-enforcement bodies will efficiently detect the murderers, who will receive just punishment.

“Despite of the efforts to destabilize the situation, we`ll keep on living and working for the only purpose – peaceful Dagestan! In memory of Gasan.”