Roma star Evan Ndicka collapses on pitch after feeling pain in chest as Udinese agree to abandon Serie A clash due to frightening incident

The game at Stadio Friuli was entering the closing stages when Ivory Coast international Ndicka collapsed to the turf. He received treatment on the field and was taken away on a stretcher, with a thumbs-up signal delivered to concerned supporters on his way off.

Ndicka’s team-mates were understandably keen to be kept updated on his condition, along with Roma’s coaching staff. The match was halted as decisions were made on whether to play the fixture through to a finish.

Roma head coach Daniele De Rossi headed to the dressing room to check on Ndicka, before reporting back to those still on the field. At that point the call was made to abandon the game, with Udinese happy to accept that request. According to DAZN, initial tests in the changing room suggested that Ndicka may have suffered a heart attack, and he will be taken to hospital to undergo further assessment.

Roma have released an official statement showing their support for Ndicka, which reads: "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!"

As per Serie A rules, the match in question will be resumed at a later date from the same point at which it was stopped. The same players must be on the pitch, with Roberto Pereyra and Romelu Lukaku having found the target before proceedings were brought to a halt.