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Pic: The late Gregory Mertens’ Lokeren teammates paid an emotional tribute to him this evening

Published 22:02 1 May 2015 BST

Updated 22:09 1 May 2015 BST

Neil Treacy
Pic: The late Gregory Mertens’ Lokeren teammates paid an emotional tribute to him this evening

Homesport

Some powerful images from an emotional night in Belgium.

24-year-old Belgian defender Gregory Mertens passed away yesterday, three days after suffering a cardic arrest while playing an under 21 match for his side Lokeren. Despite the tragic circumstances, the club returned to action tonight against Westerlo, and despite going 3-0 down in the first half, they fought back but were ultimately defeated 4-3. Before the game, there was a minute's silence in the player's memory, with his teammates wearing t-shirts with his name and number, and some brought to tears. Lokeren's players wear tee-shirts in tribute to Gregory Mertens who died after having a heart attack during a game on May 1, 2015 ahead of the Jupiler Pro League match between Westerlo and Lokeren, in Westerlo, on the fifth day of the group B of Play-off 2. AFP PHOTO / BELGA / PHOTO BRUNO FAHY **Belgium Out** (Photo credit should read BRUNO FAHY/AFP/Getty Images) There was also a beautiful tribute from the club's fans, who displayed a giant banner saying "You'll Never Walk Alone Greg", while holding up cards with his number 4 on them. Lokeren's supporters pay tribute to Gregory Mertens (who died after having a heart attack during a game) before the Jupiler Pro League match between Westerlo and Lokeren, on May 1 2015, n Westerlo, on the fifth day of the group B of play-off 2. AFP PHOTO / BELGA PHOTO / BRUNO FAHY (Photo credit should read BRUNO FAHY/AFP/Getty Images)

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Pic: The late Gregory Mertens' Lokeren teammates paid an emotional tribute to him this evening