- Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch in the match against Udinese
- The defender was conscious and taken to hospital, but the game was suspended.
Roma’s match against Udinese in Serie A has been suspended after a medical incident.
Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch in the 70th minute and the match was suspended shortly afterwards.
According Sky ItalyNdicka was conscious but was stretchered off, and referee Luca Pairetto made the decision, after consulting with both coaches, to abandon the match about 10 minutes later.
The score was tied 1-1 at the time of the incident and Ndicka was taken to hospital.
In a statement, Roma said: “Following the medical emergency on the pitch involving Evan Ndicka, the match between Udinese and Roma has been suspended.
Roma’s match against Udinese is suspended after a medical incident involving Evan Ndicka
Ndicka collapsed on the pitch after suffering a blow to the ribs and was taken off on a stretcher.
The match, which was 1-1 at the time, was suspended, before being abandoned shortly afterwards.
Roma coach Daniele De Rossi had spoken to his players as they discussed whether to continue
“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 match at Udine’s Stadio Friuli, with former Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra giving the hosts the lead, before Romelu Lukaku equalized.
After collapsing to the ground, Ndicka gave a thumbs up as he was carried through the tunnel.
Sky Italy reported how Roma coach Daniele De Rossi had asked Pairetto to suspend the match while he checked on N’Dicka, who had remained on the ground after suffering a blow to the ribs, in the locker room.
After returning to the field, De Rossi was seen chatting with his players as they discussed whether they should continue the match.
He then spoke to Pairetto and his Udinese counterpart Gabriele Cioffi, who seemed to understand the situation very well as they embraced each other.
De Rossi and referee Luca Pairetto explained what happened to the Udinese players
After the decision was confirmed, De Rossi hugged his Udinese counterpart, Gabriele Cioffi.
De Rossi and his players then approached Udine to applaud the traveling Roma fans.
The Udinese players, led by captain Pereyra, approached and De Rossi explained what was happening, before referee Pairetto signaled that the match had been abandoned.
When the decision was announced, the entire public present in Udine applauded the players, while Roma approached to applaud their traveling fans, along with those of Udinese.
Serie A confirmed that the final 20 minutes of the match will be played at a later date.
Ndicka joined Roma from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer and has made 28 appearances in all competitions for the Italian team this season.