Pavel Srnicek: Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper in ‘critical condition’ after cardiac arrest

2 minute read
Updated 11:22 AM EST, Mon December 21, 2015
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek is in a critical condition in hospital following a cardiac arrest, his agent confirmed on Monday.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek is in a critical condition in hospital following a cardiac arrest, his agent confirmed on Monday.
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Srnicek enjoyed two spells at the English Premier League side Newcastle: the first from 1991-98 and the second between 2006-7. In total, he made over 150 appearances for the club.
Srnicek enjoyed two spells at the English Premier League side Newcastle: the first from 1991-98 and the second between 2006-7. In total, he made over 150 appearances for the club.
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Srnicek, now 47, also had stints at West Ham United, Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth after starting his career in his homeland with Banik Ostrava.
Srnicek, now 47, also had stints at West Ham United, Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth after starting his career in his homeland with Banik Ostrava.
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The goalkeeper made a total of 49 appearances for his country between 1994 and 2001. He also played club football in Italy, for Brescia, and in Portugal, for Beira-Mar.
The goalkeeper made a total of 49 appearances for his country between 1994 and 2001. He also played club football in Italy, for Brescia, and in Portugal, for Beira-Mar.
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Srnicek played all three games for his country at the Euro 2000 championship, retiring a year later after they failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.
Srnicek played all three games for his country at the Euro 2000 championship, retiring a year later after they failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.
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Pavel Srnicek: Former Czech Republic goalkeeper in 'critical condition'

Story highlights

Srnicek collapsed while running, agent says

He is in induced coma in Czech hospital

Goalkeeper made 49 international appearances

CNN  — 

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest while out running in Ostrava in his native Czech Republic, his agent has confirmed.

Srnicek, 47, played for the English Premier League club between 1991 and 1998, returning for a short second spell in 2006-7.

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

“Pavel was running last night and his heart stopped. He was like that for 20 minutes and was then rushed to hospital.

“He is in an induced coma until Wednesday. 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 too starved of oxygen.”

Tomas Oborny, a spokesman for the Ostrava-Poruba hospital, said in a statement that Srnicek “is… in our hospital, but on the wishes of the family [we] will not disclose details.”

The former goalkeeper was in England last week to launch his autobiography, “Pavel is a Geordie”, before returning to the Czech Republic for Christmas.

He helped Newcastle win promotion to the Premier League in 1992-93 as part of the team managed by Kevin Keegan.

He also made 49 appearances for his country, whom he represented at the European Championship in 2000.

Srnicek’s former club tweeted a message of support in which they sent their best wishes and said: “Get well soon, Pav.”

The goalkeeper also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham in England, as well as spending spells in Italy, Portugal and with Czech club Banik Ostrava.