This is the moment a football player performs CPR on a seagull that was left motionless on the pitch after being struck by the ball during a match.

The unusual incident happened during an amateur league game between Istanbul Yurdum Spor and Mevlanakapi Guzelhisar in Istanbul, Turkey, on 22nd February.

Video shows play underway when a goalkeeper’s clearance hits a low-flying seagull above the field. The bird immediately drops to the ground and lies still on the grass as the referee halts the game.

Istanbul captain Gani Catan is seen quickly rushing towards the seagull, gently holding it on the ground and administering chest compressions.

Footage shows the footballers surrounding the bird as the player gives it CPR in an effort to revive it.

After the resuscitation attempt, the seagull is quickly carried off the pitch as spectators in the stands watched in anticipation.

The bird was handed to a team official for further care. It reportedly began to move its legs and eyes again shortly afterwards.

Ball hits flying seagull during a match in Istanbul, Turkey, undated. A player performed CPR. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (CEN)

Catan later said he had never had any real training in first aid, but did it purely on instinct.

After play resumed, the match ended with Istanbul losing 4-2 on penalties.

At the end of the game, the coach of Istanbul Yurdum Spor stated: "We lost the championship, but we saved a life: that is much more important than the title."

(Aloysius Fernandes /CEN)