- Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch in their clash with 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 73rd 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.
Roma’s clash with Udinese has been called off after a medical incident involving Evan Ndicka
Ndicka collapsed on the pitch after suffering a blow to the ribs and was stretchered off
The game – which was 1-1 at the time – was suspended, before being abandoned shortly after
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 are all with you!’
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.
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 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 they should continue the game.
He then spoke to his Udinese counterpart Gabriele Cioffi, who seemed to be very understanding of the situation as the pair embraced.
De Rossi and referee Luca Pairetto explained what was going on to Udinese’s players
After the decision was confirmed, De Rossi embraced his Udinese counterpart Gabriele Cioffi
De Rossi and his players then went over to clap the travelling Roma supporters in Udine
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 gave the players a standing ovation, as Roma went over to clap their travelling supporters, along with those from Udinese.
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