Czech Republic footballer commits suicide

31-year-old Gaziantepspor defender was found to have taken his own life on Sunday, with the Turkish club’s president confirming the tragic news

Gaziantepspor defender Frantisek Rajtoral has tragically taken his own life, the Turkish club’s president has confirmed.

The 31-year-old was found to have passed away at his house on Sunday, with the alarm raised after he failed to turn up to training.

The former Czech Republic international moved to Turkey in August 2016 having previously played for Marila Pribram, Banik Ostrava, Viktoria Plzen and Hannover.

Gaziantepspor president Ibrahim Kizil told Sporx: “Unfortunately I can confirm that the news of suicide is true.

“His teammates were concerned after Rajtoral didn’t participate in today’s training session.

“He was a proper person with good spirits. He didn’t seem to have any problem. I really don’t know why he did such a thing.”

Gaziantepspor manager Bulent Uygun was quoted as saying by Sabah: “We did not expect such a thing at all. All my players are in shock. Everybody is shedding tears.”

Rajtoral won 14 caps for his country between 2012 and 2014, forming part of the Czech squad at Euro 2012.