Azerbaijan footballer arrested in connection with death of journalist

Azerbaijan footballer Javid Huseynov has been arrested in connection with the death of a journalist who criticised him.

Reporter Rasim Aliyev, who on Facebook described Huseynov as "ignorant and unable to behave himself", died in hospital on Sunday as a result of injuries suffered from a beating.

Aliyev accused Huseynov of not being suitable to represent Azerbaijan in Europe after he displayed an offensive gesture towards journalists when asked why he held a Turkish flag while celebrating scoring a Europa League goal for FC Gabala.

Local media report that Aliyev alleged that he was attacked after arranging a meeting with a man who claimed to be Huseynov's cousin over the phone.

According to The AP, Huseynov, who is one of six people arrested in connection with the journalist's death, has been accused of covering up a serious crime and failing to report it to the police.

FC Gabala released a statement claiming that the footballer has been suspended from the first team until the "case is resolved".