KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 -- A footballer was killed and a referee injured after lightning struck during a friendly match in Melaka yesterday evening, police said.

The victim, identified as R. Thanesh, 28, died while receiving treatment at Alor Gajah Hospital after the incident at the Lendu Rakan Muda Complex football field at about 5.40pm.

According to Astro Awani, the friendly match between Rembau Indian Veteran FC and Tanjung Minyak FC had been under way for about 10 minutes when light rain began before a loud clap of thunder was heard.

Alor Gajah district police chief Superintendent Ahmad Abu Bakar said the victim's teammates then saw Thanesh and two other individuals collapse on the pitch immediately after the thunderclap.

"About 10 m...