Journalist Rasim Aliyev of Azerbaijan was killed after being beaten by a fan for criticizing Javid Huseynov, also of Azerbaijan.
According to the BBC, Aliyev accused Huseynov of being "immoral" and "ill-bred" in a Facebook post after Huseynov made a crude gesture at a reporter who asked why Huseynov waved a Turkish flag at the supporters of a team from Cyprus. The gesture came following a Europa League qualifier between Gabala FC and Apollon Limassol.
The BBC reported that following the post Aliyev was lured into a meeting and beaten up. He died from his injuries.
"Despite the fact that Huseynov is a very important player for the Gabala team, he has been suspended from the first team until this issue is clarified," Gabala FC said in a statement.
"The mention of the club footballer Huseynov's name in this incident has caused deep sorrow," the statement said.
The incident has also caused a freedom of speech debate to break out in Azerbaijan, which is maybe not the worst thing to happen in one of the lowest-ranking countries in the world in terms of press freedom.
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus
