Arne Espeel, goalkeeper dies after saving a penalty – Corriere.it

Tragedy in Belgium during a provincial second division football match. One of the two goalkeepers, aged 25, died of an illness on the pitch immediately after saving a penalty kick. The tragedy occurred in West Flanders, during the match between Winkel Sport B and SK Westrozebeke. With the score 2-1 for the home side, the referee whistled for a penalty kick for SK Westrozebeke. The penalty – kicked by Mohammed El Baghdadi – was saved by Arne Espeelgoalkeeper of Winkel Sport B. Per, after the rejection (he had shouted Siiii for joy and to celebrate the feat he had just accomplished), collapsed to the ground, victim of a sudden illness.

At first, the players on the pitch did not realize the seriousness of the situation, but when the unfortunate 25-year-old started shaking, the doctors intervened to help him with the defibrillator. Despite their immediate intervention, there was nothing they could do for Arne Espeel.

The tragedy, among other things, happened under the eyes of his brother Aaron (also from Winkel Sport B), sitting on the bench, and his parents, in the stands. We are in shock. Arne had played with us since he was a child and was well liked by everyone. What happened is incomprehensible, the club statement. Tests are now underway to investigate the cause of death.