- Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch during their game vs Udinese
- The defender was conscious and taken to hospital, but the game was called off
Roma’s Serie A clash with Udinese has been called off following a medical incident.
Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch in the 70th minute, and the game was suspended soon after.
According to Sky Italia, Ndicka was conscious but stretchered off, with referee Luca Pairetto making the decision in consultation with both managers to abandon the match around 10 minutes later.
The score was level at 1-1 at the time of the incident and Ndicka was taken to hospital.
In a statement, Roma said: ‘Following the on-field medical emergency involving Evan Ndicka, the match between Udinese and Roma has been suspended.
‘The player is conscious and has been taken to hospital for further checks.
‘Forza Evan, we are all with you!’
Ivory Coast star Ndicka had started the game at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, with former Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra giving the hosts the lead, before Romelu Lukaku equalised.
Having collapsed to the ground, Ndicka had raised his thumb as he was carried off down the tunnel on a stretcher.
Sky Italia reported how Roma coach Daniele De Rossi had asked Pairetto to suspend the game while he checked on N’Dicka – who had stayed down after reportedly suffering a blow to the ribs – in the dressing room.
After coming back out onto the pitch, De Rossi was seen in conversation with his players as they discussed whether to continue the game.
He then spoke to Pairetto and his Udinese counterpart Gabriele Cioffi, who seemed to be very understanding of the situation as the pair embraced.
Udinese’s players, led by captain Pereyra, came over and De Rossi explained what was going on, before referee Pairetto signalled that the game had been abandoned.
As the decision was communicated, the whole of the crowd in attendance in Udine applauded the players, as Roma went over to clap their travelling supporters, along with those from Udinese.
Serie A confirmed that the final 20 minutes of the match will be played at a later date.
Ndicka, 24, joined Roma from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer and has made 28 appearances in all competitions this season.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
