Retired Belgian footballer Karel Snoeckx, 52, is in a coma after being brutally stamped on the head during a road rage incident in Turnhout, Belgium, on Saturday. The attack was witnessed by his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, who were in the car with him.
What happened during the incident?
The altercation occurred at the intersection of Steenweg op Oosthoven and Hogestraat. According to local media, Snoeckx honked at two pedestrians who were crossing the road dangerously. An argument escalated into violence. Lieselotte Claessens of the Antwerp Public Prosecutor’s Office said: “A dispute between the driver of a car and two pedestrians escalated severely.”
Snoeckx was punched in the face, put in a chokehold, and repeatedly stomped on the head. His family watched from the car as the attack unfolded. He was resuscitated on-site for 20 minutes and placed in a coma at AZ Turnhout hospital with suspected brain damage.
Arrests and charges
Police arrested two pedestrians. A 35-year-old man from Turnhout has been charged with attempted manslaughter. A 38-year-old woman from Beerse has been charged with intentional assault. Claessens said: “Two people, a 35-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, were arrested and questioned yesterday. They were both brought before the investigating judge in Turnhout today. Exactly how the events unfolded, what the cause was, and what everyone’s role in it is, is currently being thoroughly investigated further.”
Camera footage and dashcam footage will be reviewed. The male suspect is expected to appear in court. The Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed Snoeckx’s condition is stable.
Family and legal response
Evelien Van Dooren, the family’s lawyer, said: “Unfortunately, it is still too early to provide any information about this. Hopefully, we can share more details on Tuesday.”
Snoeckx’s football career
Karel Snoeckx won the Belgian league with Lierse SK in 1997 and played for the Belgian national team. He retired from professional football before the attack.
