The football community is in mourning this afternoon after it was confirmed that former Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote had suddenly passed away after apparently collapsing at training.
The Ivory Coast international was just 30-years-old, and the Daily Mail are reporting that he was rushed to hospital on Monday after training with his current club, Chinese second division side Beijing Enterprises, but was pronounced dead not too long after.
As you can imagine, after representing the Magpies for almost seven years, Tiote had become a well known figure within British football, and some of his ex-colleagues, opponents and just general fans have been paying their respects on social media ever since the news was broken:
We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tioté in China today. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/PCrIEUyugv
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 5, 2017
Rest in peace, Cheick Tioté. An incredible competitor taken far too soon. pic.twitter.com/tMkyzc4OlE
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) June 5, 2017
Devastated to hear about my friend/team mate Cheik Tiote. One of the good guys, a lovely lovely man taken far to soon. Heartbreaking ?
— Ryan Taylor (@TaylorR1984) June 5, 2017
RIP Cheick Tiote… #LetsChangeTheGame @Heart4MoreFdn pic.twitter.com/gwVt7su55u
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) June 5, 2017
Shockingly sad news. RIP Cheick Tiote. Thanks for everything. The Geordies will never forget you. D #nufc
⬛️⬜️⬛️⬜️⬛️— antanddec (@antanddec) June 5, 2017
RIP Cheick Tiote, really puts life into perspective far too young?
— Joel (@JMXFifa) June 5, 2017
R.I.P Cheick Tiote ?? pic.twitter.com/9Aqt0BS2vu
— Chuba Akpom (@cakpom) June 5, 2017
Rest in peace, Cheick Tioté.
The thoughts of everyone at CPFC are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/Hcb71g8pB2
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) June 5, 2017
I'm shocked and sad to hear about my old teammate Cheick Tiote has past away!? my thoughts are with his family and friends! #RIPCheicky ?
— Peter Lovenkrands (@lovenkrands11) June 5, 2017
I am speechless and so incredibly sad. Cheick Tioté was one of the nicest and toughest teammates I have ever had. Rest in peace brother.
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) June 5, 2017
Gutted to hear the awful news about my former teammate Cheik Tiote today. Thoughts with his friends and family.
— Stephen Harper (@steveharper37) June 5, 2017
We are saddened to hear of the sudden, tragic passing of Cheick Tioté and would like to express our condolences to his friends and family.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 5, 2017
I'm shocked and sad to hear about my old teammate Cheick Tiote has past away!? my thoughts are with his family and friends! #RIPCheicky ?
— Peter Lovenkrands (@lovenkrands11) June 5, 2017
Typically a midfield enforcer, Tiote will probably be best remembered for his stunning strike in Newcastle’s memorable 4-4 draw with Arsenal back in 2011, and he was once linked with a big-money move to Manchester United.
Tributes will no doubt continue to flood in following today’s shocking news.
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