Cardiff City star suffers personal tragedy ahead of QPR clash

A Cardiff City player has suffered a personal tragedy in the lead up to his side’s huge clash with QPR this Saturday. QPR host the struggling Bluebirds on Saturday in what is a huge clash for both clubs.

QPR are currently five points ahead of Cardiff and in danger of being sucked into the relegation battle if they come off second best this weekend, heading into the game on the back of a six game winless run.

Cardiff are in the thick of the relegation battle, and this game will be another huge game for them, knowing they have a tough run coming up a little later on.

Ahead of this weekend’s game. Cardiff star Andy Rinomhota has suffered a personal tragedy, losing his brother Joseph Itai Rinomhota. Joseph Rinomhota died aged 30 in Thailand following his first Muay Thai fight. The fight was held at the Samui International Muay Thai Stadium, in Koh Samui, Surant Thani province on Friday night.

Local reports say the fight was stopped after Rinomhota received a kick to the ribs. He was unable to leave the ring on his own, and his breathing was said to have become laboured shortly after. He then collapsed and CPR was attempted while emergency services were en route.

He was pronounced dead around 90 minutes after the fight was stopped, with the time of death 11pm, and police were notified shortly after.

Andy Rinomhota has written on social media: "Nothing could’ve prepared me for what’s happened and no words or pictures are going to be enough to show or express the love I have and will always have for you my brother. I’m hoping this will help to heal the pain even if only slightly.

"You were the most driven and positive minded person I know, always pushing for more and never settling for the minimum, always looking for that next thing to try and achieve. You lived life to the fullest and I know you’d have no regrets even now. As a brother they don’t come better than you, caring, kind, supportive, the list is endless, you always looked after me in every way possible and I should’ve told you more just how much that meant to me.

"I know you’ll continue to watch over me and provide me with the strength and love you always have. You’ll be with me doing the things we had planned to do together, you will always be in my heart and never forgotten."

Cardiff City’s social media page posted: “Our thoughts and love go out to Andy Rinomhota and his family. We are all with you, Andy."

Meanwhile, Rinomhota’s national team Zimbabwe posted on their official page: “The Zimbabwe Football Association extends its deepest condolences to Warriors midfielder Andy Rinomhota and his family following the passing of his beloved brother. In this moment of profound sorrow, we stand in solidarity with Andy, offering our thoughts and prayers to him and his loved ones. Losing a family member is never easy, and we can only imagine the pain and heartbreak he is going through.

"During this difficult time, we encourage Andy to find strength in the love and support of his family, friends, and the entire football family. May the cherished memories of his brother bring him comfort, and may he find peace in knowing that he is not alone in his grief. Our hearts are with you, Andy. May your brother’s soul rest in eternal peace.”

The UK Foreign Office said “we are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Andy Rinomhota has been a regular for Cardiff City this season, making 25 league appearances so far.

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