The mother of Stoke City striker Mame Biram Diouf has died in a stampede during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Gnilane Diouf was one of hundreds of people who were caught up in the crush at the camp city at Mina, a few kilometres east of Mecca, where pilgrims stay for several days during the climax of the Hajj.
The Potters released a statement which read: "Stoke City wish to extend sincere condolences to Mame Diouf following the tragic death of his mother.
"The club will provide Mame with all the support he needs at this extremely difficult time and our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and friends."
The tragedy at Mina, which killed an estimated 700 people, was the second of the Hajj season after a crane collapse this month left 111 people dead – and the worst since 1990, when 1,426 pilgrims were killed.
Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte
