ROME – Football player Evan Ndicka is in a stable condition in hospital after collapsing on the pitch during Udinese vs Roma on Sunday, AS Roma said on social media.

 The Ivorian defender, 24, collapsed at the 70-minute mark at the Bluenergy Arena in Udine, clutching his chest. Medical staff rushed onto the field with a defibrillator, although it was not used. Ndicka was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.

 Referee Luca Pairetto immediately stopped the match with a scoreline of 1-1. After Roma coach Daniele De Rossi and captain Gianluca Mancini visited the 24-year-old in the locker room, they spoke to the referee who decided to permanently suspend the match.

 He said that the Roma players were visibly distressed by their teammate collapsing and did not want to continue playing. Udinese agreed with the suspension of the match. Piaretto received a round of applause from the crowd at the Bluenergy Arena for his actions.

 AS Roma posted a photo of Ndicka, conscious and in hospital, with the caption “Evan is feeling better. He will remain in the hospital for further observations.” The club also added that “the squad went to visit Ndicka at the hospital.”

 The reason for the player collapsing is not yet known, although it was confirmed by medics that it was not a heart attack.

 The remaining 20 minutes of gameplay will be made up at a later date, which will be decided by the Serie A governing body.

 khg