Belgian player Gregory Mertens suffers cardiac arrest on the pitch

24-year-old Sporting Lokeren defender Gregory Mertens collapsed on the pitch during a reserve-team game against Genk. The Belgian is currently being hospitalised after having suffered cardiac arrest and being administered CPR on the pitch.

The match was postponed and Lokeren later released a club statement that read:

“While playing the match between KRC Genk and KSC Lokeren, Gregory Mertens collapsed after 15 minutes. Our defender was immediately assisted by the medical team of Sporting Lokeren and KRC Genk. He was transferred to the hospital in Genk. Lokeren sympathises with the family and hopes for a positive outcome.”

Mertens who has been a U-21 Belgian national player joined Lokeren this season and has played 15 games since.

Clubs and players have taken to Twitter to express their concern and extend their best wishes to Gregory Mertens.

Stay strong #GregoryMertens

— Axel Witsel (@axelwitsel28) April 28, 2015

My thoughts are with you Gregory ! Keep fighting ! #GregoryMertens

— Simon Mignolet (@SMignolet) April 28, 2015

Get well soon Gregory Mertens, all our thoughts are with you & your family during this difficult time #komaanGregory pic.twitter.com/SDIUFLtlux

— RSC Anderlecht (@rscanderlecht) April 27, 2015

Blijven vechten Gregory! #bestrong

— Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) April 27, 2015

Blijf vechten gregory!!

— R.Lukaku Bolingoli10 (@RomeluLukaku9) April 27, 2015

Ongelooflijk slecht nieuws. Blijven vechten Gregory

— Kevin De Bruyne (@DeBruyneKev) April 27, 2015