Former Newcastle goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek dies, aged 47

Srnicek had been in an induced coma since being taken ill while out jogging near his home in the Czech Republic on 22 December.

His agent, Steve Wraith, said in a statement: "It is with deep sadness that I have to announce the passing of former Newcastle United player Pavel Srnicek.

"Pavel suffered a cardiac arrest before the Christmas period in his home country and had been in an induced coma in hospital with his close family around his bedside.

"Despite the best medical attention the final brain scans on Monday showed irreversible damage and the decision had to be taken to switch off the life support machine."

The former international, who was a member of the national squad at the 1996 European Championship when the Czech Republic lost to Germany in the final, was a fan favourite in Newcastle. He was in Tyneside earlier this month to promote his autobiography.

Srnicek spent seven seasons at Newcastle after joining in 1991, playing 189 times and twice finishing second in the Premier League in 1995-96 and 1996-97. He returned in 2006, playing twice more as a back-up to Shay Given.

On Boxing Day, Newcastle fans chanted 'Pavel is a Geordie' at half-time in their Premier League match against Everton.

His 49 caps for the Czech Republic included all three matches at Euro 2000. He was a non-playing member of the Czech squad that reached the Euro '96 final.