Lokeren's Gregory Mertens in hospital after collapsing on pitch

Former Belgium U21 international Gregory Mertens is critically ill in hospital after collapsing while playing for his club Sporting Lokeren.

Mertens, 24, suffered a cardiac arrest during Lokeren's U21 clash with Genk on Monday and was given CPR on the pitch for 30 minutes.

The match was brought to a halt, with fans being asked to leave the stadium, and Mertens was eventually transported to a nearby hospital, where he was placed in an artificial coma.

A club statement read: "While playing the match between KRC Genk and KSC Lokeren, Gregory Mertens collapsed after 15 minutes. 

"Our defender was immediately assisted by the medical team of Sporting Lokeren and KRC Genk. He was transferred to the hospital in Genk. Sporting Lokeren sympathizes with the family and hopes for a positive outcome."

Lokeren spokesman Herman Van de Putte told sporza.be: "His condition is very critical. Gregory is in a medically induced coma, his heart function has been taken over by a machine.

"The fate of Gregory is in the hands of the hospital. We hope for a miracle."

Chelsea's Belgium international goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois offered his support on Twitter, along with a number of other players.

"Keep fighting Gregory," Courtois said in a message echoed by Everton's Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku and Middlesbrough's Jelle Vossen.