Ballybrack FC Apologises for False Report of Fernando Nuno La Fuente's Death

Ballybrack FC have offered "sincerest apologies for any distress caused" after reporting former player Fernando Nuno La Fuente had died in a traffic accident.

The Dublin-based amateur club released a statement on its Facebook page (h/t Associated Press and ESPN FC) calling the incorrect reporting a "grave and unacceptable mistake" and "completely out of character and was made by a person who has been experiencing severe personal difficulties unbeknownst to any other members of the club." 

The club also revealed the person responsible has since been fired for what it called a "gross error of judgement."

The story began when Ballybrack communicated to the Leinster Senior League that La Fuente had died after being involved in a car crash on Thursday. Notice of the player's supposed death was subsequently posted in a local newspaper.

What followed was the postponement of Ballybrack's next scheduled match against Arklow Town. Meanwhile, the Leinster Senior League included a minute's silence across the league's matches.

The reports only unravelled when supporters began reaching out to offer support to La Fuente's family. League chairman David Moran told RTE (h/t AP and ESPN FC) how he was informed La Fuente had returned to Spain a month prior.

La Fuente, who is currently on the books at Galway, was understandably shocked and confused by the news. The Spaniard told RTE Radio (h/t BBC Sport) how he first heard the bizarre story: "My work started sending me all these news articles - that's how I found out I was dead."

Ballybrack had contacted La Fuente to tell him there would be reports about his accident, with the player expecting to see updates about the broken leg he'd suffered. Ultimately, La Fuente was left to try and find a lighter side to a strange and no doubt unsettling turn of events: "It's funny for me because I've been watching my own death."

Ballybrack confirmed La Fuente has accepted the club's apology, while the league intends to follow up with an investigation of its own.