A 25-year-old goalkeeper dies after saving a penalty

Belgian goalkeeper Arne Espeel, 25, died this weekend during a match.

Thomas Osborne
Thomas Osborne
13 February 2023 Monday 19:10
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A 25-year-old goalkeeper dies after saving a penalty

Belgian goalkeeper Arne Espeel, 25, died this weekend during a match. The young player had just saved a penalty when he collapsed, killing him immediately.

His teammates and fans alike went from joy to worry in a matter of seconds, as Winkel Sport B goalkeeper Arne went down dead after saving a penalty in the game against Westrozebeke.

The goalkeeper fainted shortly after saving a shot from the penalty spot. The emergency services spent half an hour trying to revive him, but his efforts were not enough.

Winkel Sport B assistant Stefaan Dewerchin , explained the facts. "The ball was still in play. Our goalkeeper got up as fast as possible to receive the ball, but then he fell. It was really terrible to watch."

"All the players were in the dressing room together after the incident. When the message came that our goalkeeper was dead, it was an unusually heavy blow. I think some still don't realize what exactly happened," he added.

All members of the club, family, friends and fans will take a walk through the streets of Sint-Eloois-Winkel as a tribute to their footballer.