Retired footballer KAREL SNOECKX fighting for his life after violent attack in front of family

Sunday, June 12, 2026 - A former pro-footballer has been left in a coma after being brutally stamped in the head during a horror road rage clash witnessed by his family. 

Retired Belgian player Karel Snoeckx, 52, was left fighting for his life in hospital after the violent attack in Turnhout, Belgium on Saturday.

Karel was out driving with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law when chaos struck.

An argument reportedly broke out between the ex-midfielder and two pedestrians at the intersection of Steenweg op Oosthoven and Hogestraat.

According to local media, Karel honked at the two strangers for crossing the road dangerously.

Lieselotte Claessens of the Antwerp Public Prosecutor’s Office said: “A dispute between the driver of a car and two pedestrians escalated severely.”

Karel was punched in the face, put in a chokehold, and then repeatedly stomped on the head, local media reports.

His family, who were still in the car, witnessed the vicious attack unfold.

Karel was resuscitated on-site for 20 minutes and placed in a coma at AZ Turnhout hospital with suspected brain damage.

Cops arrested the two pedestrians after the incident.

A 35-year-old man from Turnhout has been charged with attempted manslaughter.

And a woman, 38, from Beerse, has been charged with intentional ass@ult.

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.”

In an update, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the victims condition is stable.

Camera footage and dashcam footage will be reviewed as part of the investigation.

The male suspect will appear before court today.

Evelien Van Dooren, the family’s lawyer, previously said: “Unfortunately, it is still too early to provide any information about this.

“Hopefully, we can share more details on Tuesday.”

Karel won the Belgian league with Lierse SK in 1997 and played for the Belgian national team.