Jerge Hoefdraad ‘in critical condition’ after ex-Ajax footballer shot in head while trying to break up fight at party

FORMER AJAX footballer Jerge Hoefdraad is is 'critical condition' after being shot.

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf initially reported, via Amsterdam Police, that the 35-year-old winger had passed away after he was shot in the head while trying to break up an argument at a party.

The report added that Hoefdraad was rushed to a hospital in Amsterdam for emergency surgery on Sunday but passed away on Monday morning.

However, police later confirmed that they incorrectly reported his death and the former footy star is still in a 'critical condition' in hospital.

A statement said: “To our regret, the message was incorrectly reported this afternoon of the death of the 35-year-old victim of the shooting incident on Stekkenbergweg.

“He is in a very critical condition in hospital. We deeply regret this and apologise to his family.”

Hoefdraad, who spent time as a youth player at Eredivisie giants Ajax, turned out for domestic sides RKC Waalwijk, Almere City, and Telstar.

He was scheduled to start playing for Amsterdam amateur club ASC De Volewijckers next season following a two-year stint out of the game.

Ex-Liverpool star Ryan Babel had initially led the tributes on social media as he took to Twitter to share his sadness at his compatriot's death after the false news was announced.

Waalwijk, who gave Hoefdraad his senior debut during his two years at the club, also posted their condolences.