Fanatical Chinese football fan dies after staying up for 11 straight nights watching Euros

London, June 26(ANI): A fanatical football fan from south-central China lost his life after staying up for 11 successive nights to watch Euro 2012 matches.

The 26-year-old was found dead by his mother after his 11-day football-watching marathon, finally expired after Republic of Ireland's 2-0 defeat to Italy on June 18.

The time-difference between Europe and China means that most of the Euro 2012 matches only start at 2.45am local time, finishing at daybreak.

According to a Chinese newspaper Jiang Xiaoshan (fictitious name) had been a member of his university's football team and had enjoyed good health before the tournament, which kicked off on June 8 in Ukraine and Poland.

"We would rest occasionally but he watched everyday and would not miss a single match," The Telegraph quoted one of deceased friend's, as saying to the local newspaper.

Jiang returned home at 5 am last Tuesday but when his mother attempted to wake him for dinner that evening she found him dead.

Liu Zhiling, a doctor from the local People's Hospital ER, said: "Jiang was in good health. But staying up through the night and not sleeping enough weakened his immune system and he drank and smoked while watching the football, triggering his condition."

"If you use beer to replace water that is not good. Alcohol harms [the body]," Dr Liu added. (ANI)