Belgian second division side Winkel Sport B are mourning the shock demise of their goalkeeper Arne Espeel who collapsed and died after saving a penalty during a match against Westrozeneke in Sint-Eloois-Winkel in West Flanders. The 25-year-old Espeel dived and saved the penalty awarded Westrozebeke in the second half and then collapsed afterwards. The match was immediately stopped and paramedics tried for half an hour to revive the goalkeeper on the pitch. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy will be carried out on Monday. A statement from the club read: “Arne has played for us since he was a kid, and everybody really liked him. “It’s impossible to understand how something like this could happen to someone so young. He had been a completely healthy young lad before.” Winkel Sport were winning 2-1 before the penalty was awarded to Westrozebeke. Espeel made the save to keep his side in the lead, prompting huge celebrations.
Winkel Sport assistant coach Stefaan Dewerchin said: “The ball was still in play. Our goalkeeper got up as quickly as possible to catch the ball but then fell down. It was really terrible to see.” The club’s sporting director Patrick Rotsaert also added: “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.”
