Royal Antwerp youth player dies after heart attack
Royal Antwerp youth player Joel Lobanzo suffered a heart attack after collapsing during a training session with the U19 side.
Youth-team player Lobanzo suffered a sudden heart attack after collapsing during a training session with the under-19 side on Wednesday (AEDT).
Lobanzo was taken to hospital but the Antwerp teenager died on Friday, the club said.
"We discovered this terrible news that Joel Lobanzo, a 17-year-old youth player from RAFC, died last night," the club said in a statement. "The young football player had become a victim of sudden cardiac arrest during the training of the U19s on Tuesday night.
"The medical supervisor and trainers who were in the vicinity of the player immediately started resuscitation, after which the MUG team transferred the player to the UZA in critical condition.
"The young man remained in critical condition for more than one day, but sadly died during the night from Wednesday to Thursday.
"At the time of this tragic event, some tens of young people were present in the training fields. For all witnesses of this awful incident -- both fellow players, trainers and youth workers -- the club has provided shelter and support since yesterday.
"Over the next few days this will be the case. This is further communicated internally. For respect for Joel and his family, the club wishes to limit communication."