Roma star Evan Ndicka collapses on the pitch against Udinese as match is abandoned amid worrying scenes, with defender ‘conscious in hospital’

Roma’s Serie A clash with Udinese has been called off following a medical incident.

Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch in the 70th minute, and the game was suspended soon after.

According to Sky Italia, Ndicka was conscious but stretchered off, with referee Luca Pairetto making the decision in consultation with both managers to abandon the match around 10 minutes later.

The score was level at 1-1 at the time of the incident and Ndicka was taken to hospital.

In a statement, Roma said: ‘Following the on-field medical emergency involving Evan Ndicka, the match between Udinese and Roma has been suspended. 

Ndicka collapsed on the pitch after suffering a blow to the ribs and was stretchered off 

The game – which was 1-1 at the time – was suspended, before being abandoned shortly after

Ndicka (pictured in August 2023) was reported as conscious as he was taken to hospital

Roma boss Daniele De Rossi had spoken to his players as they discussed whether to continue

‘The player is conscious and has been taken to hospital for further checks.

‘Forza Evan, we are all with you!’

Roma players subsequently paid a visit to their teammate in hospital. Footage shared online by Roma news outlet Il Romanista shows Daniele de Rossi and his players arriving at the hospital. 

Meanwhile Udinese also shared a message of support for the defender.

‘We are with you, Ndicka,’ the Serie A club posted on X, the platform previously known as Twitter. 

Ivory Coast star Ndicka had started the game at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, with former Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra giving the hosts the lead, before Romelu Lukaku equalised. 

Having collapsed to the ground, Ndicka had raised his thumb as he was carried off down the tunnel on a stretcher. 

Sky Italia reported how Roma coach Daniele De Rossi had asked Pairetto to suspend the game while he checked on N’Dicka – who had stayed down after reportedly suffering a blow to the ribs – in the dressing room. 

After coming back out onto the pitch, De Rossi was seen in conversation with his players as they discussed whether to continue the game.

He then spoke to Pairetto and his Udinese counterpart Gabriele Cioffi, who seemed to be very understanding of the situation as the pair embraced.

De Rossi and referee Luca Pairetto explained what was going on to Udinese’s players 

After the decision was confirmed, De Rossi embraced his Udinese counterpart Gabriele Cioffi

De Rossi and his players then went over to clap the travelling Roma supporters in Udine

Udinese’s players, led by captain Pereyra, came over and De Rossi explained what was going on, before referee Pairetto signalled that the game had been abandoned.

As the decision was communicated, the whole of the crowd in attendance in Udine applauded the players, as Roma went over to clap their travelling supporters, along with those from Udinese.

Serie A confirmed that the final 20 minutes of the match will be played at a later date.

Ndicka, 24, joined Roma from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer and has made 28 appearances in all competitions this season.