When Roma defender Evan Ndicka had chest pains, Udinese and referee Luca Pairetto ‘agreed by mutual consent’ to suspend the Serie A match. ‘There was real apprehension.’
The Ivory Coast international went to ground clutching his chest and complained of breathing difficulties, so naturally the most important thing was to ensure his health and safety.
After he was stretchered off, referee Pairetto assured Roma coach Daniele De Rossi and his players there was “no rush” and they could “take all the time they need” to make sure Ndicka was alright.
Eventually the decision was made to suspend the match definitively.
“Those were moments of real apprehension for everyone in that stadium,” Udinese director general Franco Collavino told Sky Sport Italia.
“Initially it looked like some sort of muscular injury, then when the Roma goalkeeper was waving to attract the attention of the two benches, we realised it could be something more serious.
“The process of medical help kicked into action immediately and fortunately it all worked smoothly. We can smile today after the fear has passed.”
Ndicka spent the night in hospital under observation, but never lost consciousness and a defibrillator was present, but not required.
He even gave a thumbs up when stretchered off the field and at first it seemed as if Roma would resume the match, until an EGC performed in a medical room just off the tunnel gave ‘worrying’ results and he was rushed to hospital.
“We were all particularly shaken, none more so than De Rossi, who asked us to suspend the match for a few minutes while he went to check on the player’s condition,” added Collavino.
“Once reassured that he was conscious, there was still some uncertainty over what his real condition was. By mutual agreement, the directors of Udinese, Roma and referee Pairetto – who dealt with the situation with great calm and sense of responsibility – we decided it was best to suspend the match.
“I think that was the right choice, because we are men first and men of sport second.”
There was also a touching moment when the medical staff was trying to listen to Ndicka’s heart as he was still on the pitch, but it was too loud in the stadium.
The players waved to the crowd to be quiet and silence fell in the stands, bursting into a round of heartfelt applause as Ndicka was stretchered off.
“I think the Udinese fans showed great sporting culture, civility and humanity. The silence requested by the medics and players was very touching, the fact that the crowd immediately fell silent was a sign of respect.”
Udinese are all too familiar with cardiac problems, as Ndicka collapsed on the 12th anniversary of the death of Piermario Morosini, who was on loan at Livorno playing a Serie B match against Pescara when he died on the pitch.
As per the Serie A rules, the match will be resumed from the moment it stopped at the 72nd minute, but finding a date could be tricky.
“We have no theories yet, I think the Lega Serie A will wait a while to find out what Roma’s Europa League schedule will be. Udinese are at their disposal.”