Former Premier League goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek passes away aged 47

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek has died aged 47 after collapsing while out running. He was taken to hospital in Ostrava where he was placed in an induced coma.

Steve Wraith, Srnicek’s agent, said that the final scans taken on Monday showed “irreversible brain damage” – a factor which played a huge part in his family’s decision to turn off his life support.

Srnicek had a distinguished career and also spent time playing for West Ham United and Portsmouth while in England.

The former Czech Republic worldwide collapsed while jogging on December 20 and was hospitalised before spending recent days on a life support machine.

“Pavel the goalkeeping coach at Sparta Prague, had recently been on a whistle stop tour of Tyneside to promote his autobiography “Pavel Is A Geordie”, something that he was very proud of”.

Srnicek, made 150 appearances for the Magpies between 1991 and 1998.

“It is with huge sadness that we confirm the passing of former NUFC goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek”, the club tweeted.

Keegan’s brilliant attacking Newcastle team led the Premier League by 12 points in January 1996 but faded to finish four points behind champions Manchester United.

Newcastle fans chanted the goalkeeper’s name during their match with Everton on Boxing Day, while former team-mates paid tribute on Twitter.

“Our deepest condolences go to Pavel’s family, many friends, former colleagues and supporters at this very hard time”. “United. Fans and players alike”.