REIMS (France), Jan 19: A French footballer who suffered a heart attack while playing in a second division match remained in intensive care here on Saturday.

Niort defender Marco Randrianantoanina, 24, who has played at English Premier League side Birmingham, collapsed in the 23rd minute of the match against one of his former club’s Sedan on Friday.

Randrianantoanina was treated by paramedics with a defribillator after he lost consciousness and was immediately transferred to hospital.

Hospital officials said on Saturday that the defender remained hospitalised in intensive care in the cardiology department.

Randrianantoanina has also played for fellow French sides Gueugnon and Brest while, this season, he has featured in 10 second division games and four League Cup matches.—AFP