Pavel Srnicek dead: Tributes paid to former Newcastle goalkeeper after his death following a cardiac arrest

Peter Schmeichel and Micky Quinn were among those to post messages of condolence on Twitter after Srnicek died on Tuesday

Pavel Srnicek has died at the age of 47 after a cardiac arrest (Getty Images)

Former Manchester United star Peter Schmeichel and ex-striker Micky Quinn have paid tribute to Pavel Srnicek after the former Newcastle goalkeeper died on Tuesday at the age of 47.

Srnicek suffered a cardiac arrest while out running near his home in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on Sunday 20 December. He was placed into a medically induced coma upon his arrival at hospital, but a decision was taken on Tuesday to turn off his life support machine.

Srnicek played for Newcastle between 1991 and 1998 before returning for a short spell in the 2006/07 season.

After leaving the Magpies in 1998 to return to Banik Ostrava, the club where he started his career, Srnicek went on to play for Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham, along with Brescia, Cosenza and Beira-Mar. Most recently, he returned to Newcastle in 2006 as injury cover for Shay Given, and made two further Premier League appearances in December of that season before leaving in June 2007.

His former agent, Steve Wraith, confirmed the tragic news on Facebook, with a number of his team-mates during his time on Tyneside as well as opponents and fans who had the privilege to see him play taking a moment to pay tribute to the late goalkeeper.

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. Pav passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday 29th December 2015 with his family by his side.

“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. My final conversation with him was about getting the entertainers team back together one more time for charity next year as it will be 20 years since that Newcastle team almost won the Premier League. We will make that happen and celebrate this great man’s life together. United. Fans and players alike.

“Anyone wishing to send cards then please send to Newcastle Legends c/o collingwood buildings. 38 collingwood street. Newcastle. NE1 1JF.”