Belgian Soccer Goalie Arne Espeel Collapses on Field, Dead at 25

Arne Espeel, Belgian goalkeeper, died on Saturday after collapsing on the pitch after saving a penalty for his side. He was 25.

Winkel Sport B in West Brabant, Belgium was 2-1 ahead against Westrozebeke after their opponents were given a penalty.

Belgian media reported that Espeel saved the spot kick, but then fell to the floor. Espeel was immediately taken to hospital by emergency services. They tried to revive him using a defibrillator but were unable to save his life. It is still not known what caused Espeel’s death.

“This is a disaster and a shock to everyone,” Winkel sporting director Patrick RotsaertNieuwsblad says that it is.

“Arne had been with the club all his life and was very loved. He was a wonderfully sympathetic boy, always in a good mood and ready to help. This is really a heavy blow. First of all for his family and also our whole club.”

The game was played at the club’s home ground in Sint-Eloois-Winkel in the West Flanders Province.

According to Daily Mail, friends and family gathered on the field to place flowers and wreaths at the spot where Espeel had fallen. Espeel’s teammates were also present for the ceremony.

“The ball was still in play. Our goalkeeper got up as fast as possible to receive the ball, but then he fell,” Stefaan dewerchin, assistant coach, said via the Daily Mail.

“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 an unusually heavy blow. I think some players still don’t realize exactly what happened.”

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An autopsy was scheduled to have taken place on Monday to determine the cause of Espeel’s death.

“Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning by the sudden death of Arne Espeel,” In a statement, the club stated.

“We wish family and friends of Arne our heartfelt condolences in this heavy loss. Football is an afterthought.”

— With Reuters