Lazio president Claudio Lotito ignited controversy earlier today by asserting that Roma should’ve immediately replay the final 20 minutes of their league match against Udinese since Evan Ndicka’s health incident wasn’t as severe as first believed.
Last Sunday’s affair between the Giallorossi and Friulians was paused at the 72nd minute when Ndicka clutched his chest and subsequently collapsed on the field. After being rushed to hospital and a series of tests, doctors confirmed the Ivorian suffered a partially collapsed lung.
In the aftermath of the incident, messages of support poured-in from hundreds of clubs and players across Europe—many expressing worry about the seriousness of the injury and applauding the decision to suspend the game.
Despite this, Lotito dismissed the severity of the situation and criticised Roma for complaining about the league’s decision to replay the final 20 minutes on April 25th—impacting their preparations for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen.
“Let’s face it, they halted a match for an incident that was a Code Yellow,” he told La Stampa.
“In fact, they could’ve suspended the game then resume play later that exact night.”
