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Former Newcastle keeper and Czech international sadly passed away earlier today at the age of 47. Srnicek was already in a sleep induced coma and living on artificial life support after suffering from what turned out to be a fatal cardiac arrest. A decision was taken earlier today to take him off the life support.
Srnicek joined the magpies in 1991 and enjoyed two spells at the club. During his time, he quickly became a fan favourite and, later on, went on to achieve the status of a cult figure amongst many of the Newcastle faithful. During his eight seasons spent at Tyneside, he made 152 appearances in the Newcastle shirt.
Initially signed by Jim Smith, he quickly became the first choice keeper under Kevin Keegan and helped the team win promotion to the Premier League in the 1992-93 season. After leaving the club in 1998, Pavel returned on a season-long deal in 2006 to cover for the then injured Shay Given. His departure from the club at the end of the 2006-07 season also marked the end of his playing days.
He was acting as a goalkeeping coach at Sparta Prague at the time of his collapse. The fans chanted his name and sang out the famous "Pavel is a Geordie" chant during the break in the game against Everton. The song was supposedly recorded by the club on the request of Pavel's family so that they may play it to him while he was in coma.
The footballing world, from former teammates to fans have been flooding the interwebs with tributes to this charismatic character.
It is with immense sadness that we confirm the passing of former #NUFC goalkeeper Pavel Srníček today. pic.twitter.com/DQi4ETE1Pk
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 29, 2015
So very, very sad to lose my friend and former teammate @PavelSrnicekUK My thoughts are with his family at this awful time. #NUFC #RIPPavel
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) December 29, 2015
All at Chelsea FC are saddened to hear of the death of former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek. May he rest in peace.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 29, 2015
RIP Pavel. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/0eHeK1xSCP
— ByTheMin NUFC (@ByTheMinNUFC) December 29, 2015
Saddest news I've heard in a long time, not just a great goalkeeper but I great person too. RIP PAV #adoptedgeordie #nufc
— Terry McDermott (@TerryMac777) December 29, 2015
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.