The Serie A match between Udinese and Roma came to a halt when Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the field while clutching his chest.
Despite the score being tied at 1-1 and only 18 minutes of normal time remaining, the match was suspended after Ndicka’s sudden collapse.
Following a brief discussion period of 10 minutes, both clubs, along with referee Luca Pairetto, unanimously decided to suspend the match, a decision that was met with applause from the spectators at Stadio Friuli.
In a positive development, Roma’s players visited Ndicka in the hospital, providing some encouragement. The 24-year-old player will undergo further tests and is expected to remain hospitalized for the time being.
“Evan feels better and is in good spirits. He will remain under observation for tests in hospital,” read a statement on social media, accompanied by a photo of the defender sporting a flexed bicep.
Roberto Pereyra, the former Watford midfielder, scored the opening goal for Udinese, but Romelu Lukaku managed to equalize for Daniele De Rossi’s team.
Ndicka joined Giallorossi on a free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, having started his career at Auxerre in France.
He was a key player for the Ivory Coast team that won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, playing every minute of every game as they defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the final.
