Stoke striker Diouf loses mother in the Mecca crush tragedy

Stoke City footballer Mame Biram Diouf's mother was today named as one of the hundreds who died in the Mecca crush tragedy.

The former Manchester United striker's mother Gnilane Diouf died as some two million people performed the annual hajj pilgrimage at the end of last month.

In a statement today, his club said: "Stoke City wish to extend sincere condolences to Mame Diouf following the tragic death of his mother.

"The club will provide Mame with all the support he needs at this extremely difficult time and our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and friends."

Senegal international striker Diouf, 27, signed for Stoke City on a free transfer from Hannover last season and has scored three times so far this season.

The crush took place on Street 204 of the camp city at Mina, a few kilometres east of Mecca, where pilgrims stay for several days during the climax of the hajj.

It was caused by two large groups arriving together at a crossroads on their way to the “stoning the devil” ritual, which involves hurling pebbles against three columns.

Shocking pictures showed bodies piled up as emergency workers battled to save others caught up in the chaos at Mina.

More than 220 ambulances and 4,000 rescue workers were sent to the stampede's location to help the wounded in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The tragedy was the second of the hajj season after a crane collapse this month left 111 people dead – and the worst since 1990, when 1,426 pilgrims were crushed to death.

The death is the highest since a crush in pedestrian tunnel in 1990.