Roma’s Serie A clash away to Udinese on Sunday evening was abandoned after visiting centre-back Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch during the second half and was rushed to hospital.
The incident occurred with around 16 minutes remaining at the Stadio Friuli, with the score tied at 1-1. Roma striker and Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku had equalized in the 64th minute after former Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra had given the hosts an early lead. Shortly after Lukaku’s strike, Ndicka was seen sitting down on the turf, raising his hand to his chest moments prior.
Immediate Medical Response
Medical staff were immediately called to attend to the Ivory Coast international, 24, who was quickly taken off the pitch on a stretcher. Play was suspended for 15 minutes before the decision was made to abandon the match altogether. The concern for Ndicka’s wellbeing took precedence over the continuation of the game.
Players and Referee’s Decision
Both teams were seen talking to match referee Luca Pairetto, who made it clear that he would respect their wishes regarding the continuation of play. According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma boss Daniele De Rossi gathered his players in a circle and informed them, as well as Pairetto, that Ndicka had suffered a heart attack.
Once the decision to abandon the contest was communicated to the Stadio Friuli crowd, both sets of fans applauded. Ndicka appeared to give a thumbs-up as he was taken off, but there was evidently too much concern to continue the match. The 24-year-old was conscious when he arrived at the hospital in Udine, where he is currently undergoing further observations.
Potential Rescheduling of the Match
The remainder of the match could be finished on Monday evening if Roma elects to remain in Udine overnight. If not, it is likely that the final 16 minutes or so of the Serie A fixture will be played at a later date, rather than restarting the entire game.
Roma’s Official Update
Around three hours after Ndicka collapsed, Roma updated their fans on social media platform X/Twitter by confirming: “The squad went to visit Ndicka at the hospital. Evan is feeling better and is in good spirits. He will remain in the hospital for further observations. Forza Evan!”
Ndicka’s Background
Ndicka joined Roma last summer, signing on a free transfer after five seasons with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. The left-footed defender, who was born in Paris, came through the ranks at French club Auxerre.
With Roma sat fifth in the league table, De Rossi made some significant changes to his starting XI for the trip to face Udinese. Ndicka came back into the team after missing the Giallorossi’s last two fixtures in all competitions. De Rossi said ahead of Sunday’s abandoned fixture: “[Paulo] Dybala and (Lorenzo) Pellegrini can still play although I made the decision to bench Dybala.”
“Pellegrini, on the other hand, has a minor problem that needs to be taken care of. The other choices were a bit forced by the circumstances. We will have to beware of Udinese and their set pieces. Today we have a tricky match on our hands and we must be careful.”
Roma’s Recent Form
On Thursday, Roma beat fellow Italian heavyweights AC Milan 1-0 away from home in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash. That victory followed up last weekend’s 1-0 win against arch-rivals Lazio, boosting De Rossi and co’s hopes of finishing in the Champions League places.
The Importance of Health in Football
Ndicka’s collapse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of player health and safety in football. While the sport is filled with intense competition and high stakes, the well-being of players must always come first. This incident has once again highlighted the need for comprehensive medical protocols and quick response times during matches.
Conclusion
The abandonment of the Roma vs. Udinese match was a necessary decision in light of the serious health scare faced by Evan Ndicka. As the football world waits for further updates on his condition, the incident underscores the unpredictable nature of sports and the paramount importance of player safety. The solidarity shown by both teams, officials, and fans serves as a heartening reminder of the unity within the football community when it comes to the health and well-being of its players. For now, the thoughts and prayers of the footballing world are with Evan Ndicka, wishing him a swift and full recovery.
