Roma's Serie A match abandoned after Evan Ndicka collapses on pitch and is rushed to hospital

There were worrying and upsetting scenes at the Stadio Friuli as a player who competes for AS Roma collapsed on the pitch during their Serie A match

Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist

19:18, 14 Apr 2024Updated 07:31, 15 Apr 2024

AS Roma's French defender Obite Evan Ndicka controls the ball during a friendly football match between Toulouse (TFC) and AS Roma (ASR) at the Stadium TFC in Toulouse, southwestern France, on August 6, 2023. The match between Udinese and AS Roma in the 32nd round of the Italian Championship was called off on April 14, 2024, afterRoma's French defender #05 Obite Evan Ndicka fainted

Evan Ndicka is 24 years old(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

AS Roma's away match against Udinese was abandoned after defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch.

The match was 72 minutes old when the game was called off, not long after the Ivory Coast international dropped down and sat on the turf. After he took a blow to the ribs during the clash, he moved his hand towards his chest, alerting medics he was experiencing issues.

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The 24-year-old was soon stretchered off the field, while concerned players from both sides watched on. After the officials had a short discussion with the teams and managers, a decision was taken to abandon the match with the score at 1-1.

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It took those involved 10 minutes to come to the decision. The abandonment was met with applause from both sets of fans, who were all wishing Ndicka well.

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Ndicka did give a thumbs up to those in the stadium, but the referee decided the match should still be abandoned, due to the huge concern on the pitch. A statement from Roma's official X page confirmed Ndicka was conscious and had been taken to hospital.

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Roma's French defender #05 Obite Evan Ndicka looks on during the Italian Serie A football match between AS Roma and Torino on February 26, 2024 at the Olympic stadium in Rome. The match between Udinese and AS Roma in the 32nd round of the Italian Championship was called off on April 14, 2024, afterRoma's French defender #05 Obite Evan Ndicka fainted

Ndicka collapsed on the field(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

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Roma's Evan N'Dicka receives medical treatment during the Italian Serie A soccer match Udinese Calcio vs AS Roma at the Friuli - Dacia Arena stadium in Udine, Italy, 14 April 2024. The Seria A match Udinese vs Roma is suspended after Roma's Evan N'Dicka collapsed on the pitch

Ndicka had to be stretchered off the pitch(Image: GABRIELE MENIS/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

It said: "Following the on-field medical emergency involving Evan Ndicka, the match between Udinese and Roma has been suspended.

"The player is conscious and has been taken to hospital for further checks. Forza Evan, we are all with you!" The left-footed defender joined the club from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2023.

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Evan Ndicka leaves the field on a stretcher after collapsing during Roma's meeting at Udinese(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Roma's head coach Daniele De Rossi during the Serie A soccer match between Udinese and Roma at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, north east Italy - Sunday, April 14, 2024. Sport - Soccer
Udinese vs Roma - Serie A TIM 2023/2024, Udine, Italy - 14 Apr 2024

Officials spoke with players and staff before making the decision(Image: Andrea Bressanutti/LaPresse/REX/Shutterstock)

He was part of Oliver Glasner's side who won the Europa League in 2022, seeing off the likes of Barcelona and West Ham, before overcoming Rangers in a tense penalty shootout in the final. He has been a key player for the Italian giants this season, making 19 Serie A appearances.

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The score was 1-1 at the time the game was ended. Former Watford striker Roberto Pereyra gave the hosts an early lead, before Romelu Lukaku scored an equaliser in the second-half. It was only eight minutes after the Belgian's finish the game was ended.