May 12 – Belgian football is coming to terms with the tragic death of a second footballer as a result of a cardiac arrest. Two weeks after 24-year-old Lokeren central defender Gregory Mertens died in hospital after collapsing as he played in a reserve game, lower-league fullback Tim Nicot, 23, of fourth-tier Wilrijk-Beerschot, suffered a similar fate on Friday.
He was placed in an induced coma and his club confirmed his death on Monday.
A club statement said Nicot “fought like a bear” and was the “idol of our supporters”. It described him as “always in a good mood, always making time for an umpteenth selfie with a fan”.
Three years ago Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba, then 23, suffered a cardiac arrest in an FA Cup game at Tottenham Hotspur. His heart actually stopped for 78 minutes and although he miraculously recovered he has never played again.
Nicot’s team-mate Wesley Snoeys said: “So many questions. Always the same question comes up: why, why, why? You left us far too soon. I will never forget you…”
UEFA introduced mandatory cardiac testing for all players taking part in its competitions in 2008 and both Belgian deaths have stunned the sport in the country and beyond. Mertens, who was judged to be one of the fittest players at his club, joined Lokeren in January 2014 from Cercle Brugge and played 15 league games this season, as well as featuring in the Europa League in August.
Wilrijk Beerschot have invited supporters to reflect on Nicot’s life at their stadium, where flowers and cards have been left in his memory.
Figures from throughout Belgian football have paid tribute while one local newspaper quoted a local cardiologist as calling for compulsory heart screenings for all athletes. “We must check our cars each year, but not our bodies. That is absurd,” said Dr. Pedro Brugada.
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