By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GettyImages.
Roma’s Serie A game with Udinese was abandoned after Ivory Coast international Evan Ndicka suffered chest pains and collapsed on the pitch.
The game at Stadio Friuli was entering the closing stages when Ndicka collapsed to the turf.
He received treatment on the field and was taken away on a stretcher, with a thumbs-up signal delivered to concerned supporters on his way off.
Ndicka’s team-mates were understandably keen to be kept updated on his condition, along with Roma’s coaching staff. The match was halted as decisions were made on whether to play the fixture through to a finish.
A statement from Roma said that Ndicka had “suffered illness” on the pitch, but that he was conscious.
“The player was transported to hospital for checks. Come on Evan, we’re all with you!” the statement added.
He joined Roma on a free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 and has made 19 appearances for the Italian club.
Roberto Pereyra had given Udinese an early lead before striker Romelu Lukaku equalised for Roma.