A West Bromwich Albion player was caught up the stampede which left at least 22 people dead at a World Cup qualifier in Ivory Coast.

The fans were killed when a wall collapsed at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium in the capital Abidjan shortly before Ivory Coast beat Malawi 5-0.

Defender Abdoulaye Meite featured with other English-based players in the game including Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and Arsenal defender Kolo Toure.

Albion manager Tony Mowbray said today: “I’ve not had a chance to speak to him yet but it’s always horrific when people are killed like this.”

The tragic incident in which some 130 people were also injured occurred before kick-off, however the game was allowed to go ahead.

The stadium was sold out in advance of the game after cut-price tickets were put on sale.

Officials said many people without tickets turned up and tried to force their way into the match.

Ivory Coast’s team, coached by Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic, are looking to secure one of Africa’s berths for the World Cup finals next year in South Africa.

Drogba scored twice in his side’s emphatic win.