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30th Apr 2015

Belgian defender Gregory Mertens dies after cardiac arrest in u-21 game

Mertens had been critical in hospital since the incident on Monday

Neil Treacy

Extremely sad news from Belgium.

The world of soccer is in mourning after 24-year-old defender Gregory Mertens passed away this afternoon.

The Lokeren defender had been in an induced coma at a Genk hospital after collapsing early in an u21 game, but sadly lost his fight.

The player suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch, and his condition had been worseing in in recent days.

The club confirmed his passing this afternoon.

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