Tragedy as goalkeeper dies after saving penalty in Belgium
A goalkeeper died of a heart attack just seconds after saving a penalty.
On Saturday, Arne Espeel, 25, was playing for Winkel Sport B against Westrozebeke in Belgium when the shocking incident occurred.
The stopper's team was leading 2-1 when the opposition was awarded a penalty kick early in the second half, according to The SUN.
According to reports, he was able to keep his team's advantage by diving correctly to avoid the penalty.
However, shortly after celebrating, the footballer collapsed onto the turf in front of stunned teammates and fans.
As emergency services rushed to the scene, medics raced to the field to try to save the star.
Espeel, on the other hand, was pronounced dead in the hospital.
The match in the seventh tier was called off.
The heartbreaking scenes unfolded in front of Espeel's parents and his brother Aaron, who was on the Winkel Sport subs' bench.
"Arne has played for us since he was a kid, and everybody really liked him," the club said in a statement following the tragic incident.
"It's incomprehensible how something like this could happen to someone so young.
"He was previously a completely healthy young lad," Winkel sporting director Patrick Rotsaert said, adding, "This is a disaster and a shock for us all."
He described Arne as a lovely guy who was always willing to help others, and his death as a bitter blow for the family and the entire club.
"We were horrified to learn of Arne Espeel's death," said Eendracht Hooglede, Winkel's sister club.
"In memory of his tragic loss, we will observe a minute of silence."
Leave A Comment