Spanish footballer collapses on field

MADRID - A chaotic scene was witnessed Sunday during a football match between Spanish clubs Salamanca and Real Betis, when Salamanca player Miguel Garcia passed out on the field.

Garcia, 31, lost consciousness as he ran for the ball in the 60th minute of the second division match in the El Helmantico Stadium in Salamanca.

Medical teams ran onto the field to resuscitate the player who lay motionless on the pitch, Xinhua reported.

Garcia needed nine minutes of treatment before regaining consciousness. He was then taken by ambulance to a hospital for further treatment.

Sevilla defender Antonio Puerta died of a heart attack during the 2007-2008 season, while Espanyol captain Daniel Jarque died after suffering a stroke while training in Italy with his club in 2009.