Serie A: Udinese-Roma clash called off after Evan Ndicka collapses on pitch

The Serie A had an unfortunate incident on Sunday (April 14) after AS Roma star Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch during the second half and was rushed to hospital. The Ivory Coast center-back while playing for Roma against Udinese was left unconscious in the 72nd minute of the match after which the referee decided to call off the match. The scoreboard read 1-1 when the match was suspended and it was later revealed that Ndicka was feeling better and is under medical observation.

Evan Ndicka collapses in Udinese-Roma clash, play suspended

Ndicka was conscious but clearly in pain, rubbing his chest with his right hand as the medical team rushed towards him. He was then carried off, giving a thumbs-up gesture. After a lengthy delay, the match was suspended, and the players left the field.

Romelu Lukaku, Roma on loan from Chelsea for Roma, leveled the score in the 64th minute after Roberto Pereyra, a former Watford midfielder, had given the home team the early lead. Ndicka was seen sitting down on the turf shortly after Lukaku’s shot, having raised his hand to his chest just moments earlier.

Following the prompt summoning of medical personnel, the 24-year-old Ivory Coast international was promptly removed from the field on a stretcher. Before the decision to end the match was reached, play was halted for fifteen minutes.

Talking with both sides, match referee Luca Pairetto expressed that he would honour their wishes about the resumption of play. Corriere dello Sport claims that Roma manager Daniele De Rossi gathered his players in a circle and informed Pairetto that Ndicka had suffered a heart attack.

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Both sets of supporters cheered as it was announced to the Stadio Friuli audience that the match would be abandoned. Ndicka seemed to nod when he was lifted off, but it was clear that there was too much anxiety to go on. After being brought to a hospital in the city of Udine, the 24-year-old is now conscious.

If Roma choose to stay in the city, the remaining minutes might be completed on Monday night. However, with an important second leg of the Europa League set to take place against AC Milan, the decision still hinges on the management of AS Roma. The Europa League tie will have a bearing on the side as they try to clinch silverware in Europe for the second time in three seasons. Roma currently hold a 1-0 advantage in the tie and will be at home for the second leg.

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