Udinese v Roma abandoned after Ndicka collapses during match

Roma’s Serie A match against Udinese was abandoned after defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch during the game.

With the score at 1-1 and with 18 minutes of normal time remaining, the Ivory Coast international collapsed off the ball and was stretchered off the pitch.

Following a 10-minute period of talks, both clubs, in conjunction with referee Luca Pairetto, made a decision to suspend the match, with the decision greeted with applause inside Stadio Friuli.

Roma later posted on X that Ndicka was conscious and is receiving treatment at hospital.

“Following Evan Ndicka’s illness on the pitch, Udinese v Roma was suspended,” said the statement.

“The player is conscious and was transported to hospital for checks.

“Come on Evan, we’re all with you.”

Former Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra had put hosts Udinese in front, before Romelu Lukaku equalised for Daniele De Rossi’s side.

Ndicka, 24, arrived at the Giallorossi on a free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer after beginning his career at French side Auxerre.

He was also part of the Ivory Coast side that won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, featuring in every minute of every game at the tournament as The Elephants beat Nigeria 2-1 in the final.

Roma are back in action on Thursday in their UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg at home to AC Milan, after securing a 1-0 first-leg victory at the San Siro.