Team-mates quickly rushed to Fenerbahce star's aid after he was knocked out in sickening incident but was remarkably allowed to play on
THIS is the dramatic moment Martin Skrtel was saved from swallowing his tongue by a Slovakia team-mate.
The former Liverpool defender was knocked unconscious after a ball smashed into his temple during an international tie in Thailand.
Incredibly Skrtel, 33, was allowed to play on for another 45 minutes with just moments of treatment on the sidelines.
Skrtel - who now plays for Turkish side Fenerbahce - lay motionless on the turf at the Rajamangala Stadium as team-mates rushed to his aid after the sickening incident, which occurred in the 27th minute.
Quickly realising the severity of the incident, midfielder Ondrej Duda reached into prone Skrtel's mouth to keep his airways clear.
Medics then raced onto the field with the star out cold and there was a long break in play as Skrtel received treatment.
After going off the field, he then remarkably ran back on and played until the 72rd minute until he was replaced by Milan Skriniar.
Hero Duda, 23 - who had already scored Slovakia's opener - went on to notch a crucial assist in a 3-2 victory.
Fenerbahce later confirmed that Skrtel had "returned to normal" after the scare.
A statement on their club website read: "We were saddened to hear that the footballer, Martin Skrtel, fainted for a short while in the game between Slovakia and the Thailand national team.
"After the intervention, we send our wishes to the player, whose health condition has returned to normal and the situation is now good."
Under Premier League rules, it is unlikely Skrtel would have been allowed to return to action.
Guidelines on head injuries stated that any player suffering a head injury must now leave the pitch and the club doctor must decide if the player is capable of continuing.
If there is a confirmed or suspected loss of consciousness, the player must be removed from the field of play and is not allowed to return.
