Belgian side Royal Antwerp confirm tragic news that youth team player Joel Lobanzo, aged 17, has sadly died following cardiac arrest

BELGIAN side Royal Antwerp have confirmed the shocking news that Joel Lobanzo, 17, has died.

The youth player passed away last night following a cardiac arrest.

Royal Antwerp report on their official website that the incident occurred on Tuesday night during U-19s training.

He was immediately seen to by a doctor who was present and transferred to a nearby hospital.

Lobazno remaining in critical condition before the tragic news that he had passed away was confirmed on Thursday morning.

The club have offered counselling and guidance to to all players and staff who were present and witnessed the incident.

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Clubs across Belgium took to Twitter to send their condolences.

Anderlecht led the tributes, by posted a message in French and Flemish — Belgium’s two official languages.

Royal Antwerp will be familiar to Manchester United fans, as Sir Alex Ferguson often sent his promising young players to the Belgian minnows.

John O’Shea and Jonny Evans are among the more high profiles names to feature for the club.