Former  Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote has tragically passed away aged 30. The Ivorian collapsed in training whilst playing for Chinese League One club Beijing Enterprises after suffering a heart attack.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but doctors were unable to save the father of three.

A statement from Beijing Enterprise said: “At 6pm on June 5, Tiote fell unconscious during training. He was immediately taken to hospital but died at 7pm.”

Ex-Toon team-mate Demba Ba was one of the first to confirm the tragic news by writing on Twitter: “may Allah grant you jannah brother Tiote.”

And Tiote’s agent, Emanuele Palladino, also said: “I can confirm that my client Cheick Tiote sadly passed away today.”

Tiote kick-started his career at Belgian side Anderlecht before sealing a move to FC Twente in 2008.