Belgian Goalkeeper Arne Espeel Dies Moments After Collapsing On Pitch Post Saving Penalty

Winkel Sport were 2-1 up in the second-half in this second provincial division of West Brabant fixture when Westrozebeke were awarded a penalty which Espeel saved before collapsing on pitch.

Despite the best of efforts from the emergency services, the shot-stopper was declared dead on arrival to the hospital.

Source : Pixabay

In a tragic incident, a Belgian goalkeeper passed away after collapsing on the pitch minutes after saving a penalty for his side. 25-year-old Arne Espeel was playing for Winkel Sport B against Westrozebeke at Winkel Sport's home ground in Sint-Eloois-Winkel when the incident happened. Winkel Sport were 2-1 up in the second-half in this second provincial division of West Brabant fixture when Westrozebeke were awarded a penalty.

Even though Espeel produced a fine save, he collapsed on the pitch immediately after, falling to the ground. It is being reported that despite the best of efforts from the emergency services, the shot-stopper was declared dead on arrival to the hospital.

Winkel Sport in 'very deep mourning'

“Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning by the sudden death of Arne Espeel," the club said in an official statement.

"We wish family and friends of Arne our heartfelt condolences in this heavy loss. Football is an afterthought," the club added.

As per reports, over 1000 people were in attendance to pay tribute to the departed football star.

"This is a disaster and a shock to everyone. 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," Winkel's director Patrick Rotseart was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, a report carried by Sky Sports has claimed than an autopsy to investigate the cause of the death of the goalkeeper was scheduled on Monday. 

This is not the first time such an incident has happened on the sporting field. While Espeel couldn't survive, Christian Eriksen Denmark’s first game of Euro 2020 against Finland in Copenhagen, had also collapsed on the field with a team doctor even claiming "he had gone" for a few minutes but later revived. He even went on to play for the country at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.