Royal Antwerp star Eliot Matazo is involved in a fatal road accident that leaves 85-year-old cyclist dead… with the footballer ‘seriously affected’ by the incident

Royal Antwerp footballer Eliot Matazo has been involved in a fatal road accident that has left an elderly cyclist dead.

The crash that happened on Sunday morning is understood to have been unavoidable for Matazo after the 85-year-old cyclist rode through a red light.

The 22-year-old Belgian star is currently on-loan at Antwerp from Ligue 1 side Monaco and has been left ‘extremely affected’ by the incident according to his club.

Matazo returned negative tests for saliva and alcohol checks and there was also no evidence that he had been driving at an excessive speed.

Antwerp posted a statement confirming news of the tragedy that has left the elderly cyclist dead and explained an investigation is now ongoing.

The 22-year-old is currently on-loan at the Belgian side from Ligue 1 team Monaco

‘This morning Eliot Matazo was involved in a serious traffic accident with a cyclist. According to initial findings, the cyclist may have been blinded by the sun and drove through a red light,’ the club said.

‘As is usual in these types of accidents, Eliot was given a saliva and alcohol test and both were negative. There are also no indications that there was excessive speed.

‘Without wishing to prejudge the investigation into the accident, all elements, including the statements of witnesses, point to an unfortunate accident.

Royal Antwerp confirmed an investigation into the accident is now ongoing

‘Eliot is extremely affected by the events and neither player nor club will make any further statements until the investigation is completed.

‘Our thoughts go out to the cyclist and his family, and Eliot and the club hope for a happy outcome,’ Antwerp added.

Matazo has made 10 appearances in all competitions for the Belgian Pro League side this season.

However, he didn’t feature in the club’s matchday squad for Sunday’s league clash against Cercle Brugge.