In a shocking incident, 25-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Arne Espeel passed away moments after making a crucial save for his club Winkel Sport B against Westrozebeke. Both clubs play in the second provincial division of West Brabant. Winkel Sport B was 2-1 up when Westrozebeke was awarded a penalty in the second half.
Espeel saved the spot kick but collapsed to the ground moments later. The medical staff present inside the stadium rushed to help Espeel and tried to revive him with a defibrillator but he was pronounced dead later in the hospital.
The exact cause of death has not yet been revealed as the results from an autopsy on Monday have not been publicly released.
"Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning by the sudden death of Arne Espeel. We wish family and friends of Arne our heartfelt condolences in this heavy loss. Football is an afterthought", the club said in a statement.
Assistant coach, Stefaan Dewerchin, revealed that the team is traumatised after the sudden death of their dear member.
"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 an unusually heavy blow. I think some players still don't realise exactly what happened", said Dewerchin.