Footballers, assistant referee nearly killed by lightning during cup match

Two Peruvian players and an assistant referee were struck by lightning in a local cup match between domestic sides, Sport Aguila and Fuerza Minera

Peruvian sources named the two players as Joao Contreras and Julio Ríos.

They were rushed to the hospital, needing medical attention whilst the assistant referee was treated by the lines.

Medical help put the players in a stable condition and out of danger.

Their recovery is described as a miracle by one of the team’s manager

"It's a miracle from God that they are safe and saved. The lightning struck very close to them. Happily they are talking and communicating with their families and there isn't a problem,"Sport Aguila manager Raul Ortega told Pervuian newspaper El Comercio.