Belgian goalkeeper Arne Espeel has died at the age of 25.
Espeel collapsed on the pitch moments after saving a penalty for an amateur team.
Winkel Sport B, who play in the second provincial division of West Brabant in Belgium, were 2-1 up against Westrozebeke when their opponents were awarded a penalty in the second half.
Espeel saved the spot kick but dropped to the ground immediately afterwards, according to reports in Belgian media.
Emergency services rushed to help Espeel and tried to revive him with a defibrillator, but he was pronounced dead shortly after he was taken to a hospital.
The game was played at the club’s home ground in Sint-Eloois-Winkel in the West Flanders Province.
In a statement, the club said, “Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning over the sudden death of Arne Espeel.
“We wish the family and friends of Arne our heartfelt condolences in this heavy loss. Football is an afterthought.
An autopsy was scheduled to take place on Monday to determine the cause of Espeel’s death.
Patrick Rotsaert, the club’s sporting director, explained how hard the news had been for the club.
“It’s a tragedy and a shock to us. Arne had been with the club his whole life, and he was dearly loved.
“It’s a really hard blow,” Rotsaert told Flemish outlet Het Nieuwsblad.
