Belgian goalkeeper Arne Espeel passes away after saving penalty

Belgian goalkeeperArneEspeeldied aged 25 after he collapsed on the pitch on Saturday 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. According to reports in Belgian media,Espeelsaved the spot kick but dropped to the ground immediately afterwards. Emergency services rushed to helpEspeeland 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. "Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning by the sudden death ofArneEspeel," the club said in a statement. "We wish family and friends ofArneour heartfelt condolences in this heavy loss. Football is an afterthought."

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An autopsy was scheduled to have taken place on Monday to determine the cause ofEspeel's death. A report in the Het Nieuwsblad newspaper said more than 1,000 people turned up to pay tribute toEspeelon Monday evening.