SOCCER

SEVILLA MIDFIELDER DIES FOLLOWING COLLAPSE ON FIELD

Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta died Tuesday, three days after collapsing on the field during his team’s Spanish league game against Getafe. Puerta died of “multiple organ failure stemming from prolonged cardiac arrest” and subsequent coronary problems, Virgen del Rocio Hospital director Gimeno Guerrero said in a statement.

“This is one of the saddest days in the history of FC Sevilla,” team president Jose Maria del Nido said, fighting to hold back tears.

The 22-year-old Puerta had been in an intensive care unit since Saturday, but his condition worsened yesterday. Puerta lost consciousness and fell near his own goal Saturday in the 31st minute, but was able to walk off minutes later.

BASKETBALL

ROCKETS’ ALSTON CHARGED WITH SLASHING MAN’S NECK

Houston Rockets guard Rafer Alston was charged yesterday with slashing a man’s neck during a ruckus at a Manhattan nightspot — his second brush with the law this month. Alston was arraigned on felony assault charges before being released without bail. A judge ordered him to return to court January 3. His lawyer said Alston was “absolutely innocent.”

The man who said he was injured told police the incident occurred at about 3 a.m. Monday after he and Alston accidentally bumped each other inside Club Stereo. During an ensuing argument, the man said, Alston slashed his neck. The arrest came three weeks after Alston was charged with misdemeanor assault and public intoxication in Houston.