Belgian footballer and goalkeeper Arne Espel died while playing for Winkle Sport B a few seconds after saving a penalty for his team.
25-year-old Arne Espel played in the second provincial division of West Brabant in Belgium against Westrozebeke at Winkel Sport’s home ground in Sint-Eloois-Winkel, West Flanders Province.
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During the football match, Espeel saved the penalty, pulling off a fine stop, before he suddenly collapsed on the pitch, dropping immediately to the ground.
After he fell on the ground, the Emergency services rushed him to help by using a defibrillator on him, but the 25-year-old was pronounced dead soon after being taken to a hospital.
The cause of Espel’s death is still unknown, however, an autopsy was scheduled to take place on Monday to ascertain the cause of Espeel’s death.
Following the tragedy, the Belgian club issued a statement that said: ‘Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning at the sudden passing of goalkeeper Arne Espeel.
‘We wish Arne’s family and friends our heartfelt condolences at this heavy loss. Football is taking a back seat for some time.’
Winkel Sport B assistant Stefaan Dewerchin added: ‘The ball was still in play. Our goalkeeper got up as fast as possible to receive the ball, but then he fell.
‘It was really terrible to watch. All the players showered together after the incident. When the message came that our goalkeeper was dead, it was a hefty blow.
‘I think some players still don’t realize exactly what happened.’
