Belgian goalkeeper Arne Espeel, 25, dies after saving penalty
Belgian goalkeeper Arne Espeel has died aged 25 after collapsing during a football game just moments after saving a penalty for an amateur team.
He was part of the Winkel Sport B side, who are playing in the second provincial division of West Brabant in Belgium, against Westrozbeke in the game on Saturday.
His team were 2-1 up when Westrozebeke were awarded a penalty in the second half.
Belgian media reported that Espeel saved the spot kick but dropped to the ground immediately afterwards.
Emergency services attempted to revive Espeel with a defibrillator but he was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to hospital.
The game was held at Winkel Sport’s home ground in Sint-Eloois-Winkel in the West Flanders Province.
“Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning by the sudden death of Arne Espeel,” the club said in a statement.
“We wish family and friends of Arne our heartfelt condolences in this heavy loss. Football is an afterthought.”
An autopsy was scheduled to have taken place on Monday to determine the cause of Espeel’s death.
More than 1,000 people turned up to pay tribute to Espeel on Monday evening, according to the Het Nieuwsblad newspaper.
