An Iraqi fan has shot dead a soccer player of the opposing team as he scored an equalizing goal in the final minutes of a match.

Iraqi footballer Heidar Kazem was shot in the head and killed by a rival fan after he scored for Sinjar against Buhayra on Sunday, Goal.com reported.

The tragedy happened in Hilla, 100 km (60 miles) south of Baghdad. A man has reportedly been arrested by Iraqi authorities in connection with the killing.

Reports indicate that the player had just scored and had begun to celebrate before a shot was fired from the crowd.

It is believed a rival fan brought out the gun, as he was angry his side had received the goal.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and tried to save the player's life, but their attempts were in vain. Kazem was taken to hospital, but died en route, according to Iraqi officials.

MP/MMA