Footballer arrested over journalist death

A leading Azerbaijani soccer player has been arrested in connection with the death of a journalist who criticised him.

Authorities in Azerbaijan say one of the country's leading players is among six people arrested in connection with the death of a journalist who criticised him.

Journalist Rasim Aliyev died on Sunday, a day after receiving a severe beating.

According to Azerbaijani media, Aliyev said he had been attacked after going to meet a man who introduced himself as footballer Javid Huseynov's cousin.

Aliyev had criticised Huseynov in a Facebook post as "ignorant and unable to behave himself," accusing him of insulting behaviour after a Europa League game on Thursday, in which Huseynov scored the winning goal for Azerbaijan's FC Gabala against Apollon Limassol of Cyprus.

In a joint statement Tuesday, Azerbaijani police and prosecutors said Huseynov, an Azerbaijan international, was among six arrested in connection with the death.

He is accused of covering up a serious crime and failing to inform authorities.


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Source: AAP


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