Former Newcastle keeper Pavel Srnicek suffers cardiac arrest

Pavel Srnicek: Former Newcastle United goalkeeper has passed away

Pavel Srnicek: Former Newcastle United goalkeeper has passed away

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest.

The 47-year-old, who made 150 appearances for the Magpies between 1991 and 1998, collapsed while out jogging in the north east on Sunday night.

His agent Steve Wraith wrote on Twitter: “I can confirm that Pavel has suffered a cardiac arrest whilst running and is in critical condition in hospital.

“Pavel was running last night and his heart stopped he was like that for 20 minutes then rushed to hospital he is an induced coma until wed.

“then they will see if his heart is stronger and if so bring him out of the coma…..no one knows if his brain has been to starved of oxygen”.

The Czech Republic international also had stints with Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham before making a brief return to Newcastle in 2006.

He is in the north east to promote his autobiography, “Pavel is a Geordie”.

Newcastle were quick to offer a message of support, tweeting the following message.

Srnicek’s former clubs all joined the Magpies in showing their support for the goalkeeper, with Sky Bet League Two side Portsmouth tweeting:

Sheffield Wednesday, for whom Srnicek made 44 appearances after moving to Hillsborough in 1998, added: “Sorry to hear the terrible news on our former goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek. Our thoughts are with him at this sad time”.

Srnicek also had two brief spells with West Ham, and the Upton Park club joined in the goodwill messages, saying: “Everyone at West Ham United is thinking of Pavel Srnicek at this time and wish the former Hammers goalkeeper a full recovery #WHUFC”.

Meanwhile former team-mate Shaka Hislop, with whom Srnicek enjoyed a memorable battle for the number one spot at St James’ Park, wrote: “This story has shaken me this morning. Get well Pav, praying for you. @NUFC @PavelSrnicekUK”.