The Serie A clash between Roma and Udinese was abandoned in harrowing circumstances after Evan Ndicka collapsed on the field. With the clash locked at 1-1, the Ivorian centre-back fell to the ground before medical staff rushed to attend to him, with many of his Roma teammates appearing distraught.
Play was suspended for 15 minutes as Ndicka was treated, and the player was later stretchered off the field to huge applause inside the Stadio Friuli. Hearteningly, he appeared to give a thumbs-up as he departed.
According to Sky Italia, the 24-year-old is now conscious after being taken to hospital in Udine. But regardless, referee Luca Pairetto took the decision to abandon the game on 72 minutes, with no protests as both sets of fans clapped at the call.
Away manager Daniele De Rossi and Udinese boss Gabriele Cioffi had been involved in discussions with Pairetto, as had both sets of players. The incident came just eight minutes after Roma had levelled matters.
Away striker Romelu Lukaku struck an equaliser after ex-Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra had put the home side ahead early on. Roma were in possession and building another attack when it was noticed that the defender had gone down some 30 yards away from where the ball was.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt man came to Italy on a free transfer in the summer after five seasons in Germany. He had previously played for Auxerre and represented France at age-grade levels before switching his allegiance to the Ivory Coast, since winning 14 senior caps.
Shortly after the game was called off, the official Roma X account posted: “Following an illness suffered on the pitch by Evan Ndicka, #UdineseRoma was suspended. The player is conscious and was transported to hospital for checks. Come on Evan, we’re all with you!”
Udinese posted a picture of the player, along with the caption: “We are with you, Ndicka.” They also uploaded a ‘strong arm’ emoji, with fans replying with their own well-wishes.
Roma had started the game fifth in Serie A, with their opponents down in 15th. League bosses are yet to confirm whether the result will stand or the game have to be replayed.
