- Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch in their match against Udinese
- The defender was conscious and taken to hospital, but the match was stopped
Roma’s Serie A match with Udinese has been called off due to a medical incident.
Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch in the 70th minute and the match was abandoned shortly afterwards.
According to Heaven ItalyNdicka was conscious but left on a stretcher, with referee Luca Pairetto making the decision in consultation with both managers to abandon the match about 10 minutes later.
The score was tied at 1-1 at the time of the incident and Ndicka was taken to hospital.
In a statement, Roma said: ‘Following the on-pitch medical emergency involving Evan Ndicka, the match between Udinese and Roma has been suspended.
Roma’s match against Udinese has been called off after a medical incident involving Evan Ndicka
Ndicka collapsed on the pitch after being hit on the ribs and was stretchered off the pitch
The match – which was tied 1-1 at the time – was suspended, but was abandoned shortly afterwards
Roma boss 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’re all in!’
Ivory Coast star Ndicka had started the match at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, with former Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra putting the hosts ahead before Romelu Lukaku equalised.
After falling to the ground, Ndicka gave a thumbs up as he was carried through the tunnel.
Heaven Italy reported how Roma coach Daniele De Rossi had asked Pairetto to suspend the match while he checked on N’Dicka – who had been left lying down after reportedly taking a blow to the ribs – in the dressing room.
After returning to the pitch, De Rossi was seen talking to his players as they discussed whether to continue the match.
He then spoke to Pairetto and his Udinese counterpart Gabriele Cioffi, who seemed very understanding of the situation as the pair embraced.
De Rossi and referee Luca Pairetto explained what was going on with the Udinese players
After the decision was confirmed, De Rossi hugged his Udinese counterpart Gabriele Cioffi
De Rossi and his players then went on to clap at the traveling Roma supporters in Udine
The Udinese players, led by captain Pereyra, came over and De Rossi explained what was happening before referee Pairetto signaled that the match had been abandoned.
When the decision was announced, the entire crowd in attendance in Udine applauded the players, while Roma went over to clap their traveling supporters, along with those from Udinese.
Serie A confirmed that the final twenty minutes of the match will be played at a later date.
Ndicka joined from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer and has made 28 appearances in all competitions for the Italian team this season.