Belgian footballer Gregory Mertens dies days after collapse on pitch

The Lokeran defender, who had played for Belgium at Under-21 level, suffered cardiac arrest during the first half of the game against Genk but couldn't recover in hospital on a life-support.

Releasing a statement, the club confirmed that the medical staff had done everything to save Mertens, but they finally had to acknowledge their impotence, adding that the Belgian international passed away at around 16:30, the BBC reported.

As a result of footballer's worsening condition, and also in view of doctors giving him little chance of survival, his family subsequently consented his life support should be switched off.

Mertens had made 15 appearances for Lokeren this season, and also featured against Hull City in the Europa League in August.