PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim striker Jairo Da Silva is on the road to recovery after suffering a concussion during their AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite quarter-final encounter against Al-Ahli.
The Brazilian has been receiving an outpouring of support from both teammates and opponents alike on social media.
The 33-year-old was forced off the pitch at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah on Friday after being struck in the face by a dangerous bicycle kick from Al-Ahli defender Ali Majrashi, who was subsequently sent off.
Da Silva was left unconscious following the collision, sparking chaotic scenes as players and staff from both sides rushed to his aid.
In the confusion, JDT captain Natxo Insa took matters into his own hands, urging paramedics to act swiftly.
His actions, which included kicking a chair to get their attention before assisting in moving the stretcher alongside a team physio, earned him a yellow card.
The incident drew mixed reactions on social media, with some criticising Insa’s conduct while others defended his urgency in ensuring his teammate received immediate medical attention.
Following the match, JDT issued an apology over the incident, with head coach Luis Garcia meeting the paramedic involved, according to a social media post shared by a Saudi Arabian journalist.
Da Silva was immediately transported to the King Abdullah Medical Complex as a precaution, where he received multiple stitches for a tear to his lip.
He has since been discharged and continues to recover, buoyed by well-wishes from across the football fraternity.
In a video shared by his surgeon, Da Silva expressed relief at his progress.
"I feel amazing because before I was brought to the hospital, I could not even feel the bottom part of my face. I am good, now," he said.
Da Silva has been one of JDT’s top attackers this season with 17 goals and 14 assists in 39 games in all competitions.
The Southern Tigers would surely hope he recovers for the rest of the games this season, including a Malaysia Cup final against Kuching City at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on May 23 and a two-legged Shoppee Asean Club Championships semi-finals against Thai club Buriram United on May 6 (Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri) and 13 (Thunder Castle Stadium, Buriram).
JDT have already won the FA Cup, Charity Shield and Super League this season.
In a show of sportsmanship, Majrashi later visited Da Silva at his hotel in Jeddah.
"First-team player Ali Majrashi visited Johor Darul Ta’zim player Jairo da Silva at his residence in Jeddah to check on his health," said Al-Ahli in a statement.
"This visit reflects the spirit of sportsmanship and the strong bonds between players, in line with Al-Ahli’s values. Majrashi expressed his sincere wishes for Da Silva’s continued health and a speedy return to the pitch."
Al-Ahli also pledged to assist Da Silva throughout his stay in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the unity shown in the aftermath of the incident.
