Fans of football in every European country are very used to players going to ground, and often sustaining serious, and long term, injuries after challenges, tackles and fouls, but thankfully a player collapsing without incident does remain rare in the modern game, but sadly it happened again in the recent Serie A game between Fiorentina and Inter Milan.
22 year old midfielder Edoardo Bove suddenly fell to the ground early in the first half of the game (16th minute) and as both sets of players quickly responded by calling the medical staff onto the field of play, they then formed a protective ring around him which naturally led to fans in attendance fearing the worst.
The match was rightfully suspended at that time, and then following immediate treatment, the game was abandoned after the referee asked both sets of players to leave the pitch, after Bove had been taken to a waiting on field ambulance on a stretcher.
A statement from the club informed fans that the players vital signs were stable when he arrived at the Careggi University Hospital Company, but that he was in intensive care and under sedation, with La viola confirming that he would be re-evaluated in the next 24 hours.
Initial cardiological and neurological tests thankfully ruled out any acute damage to his body, either to his central nervous system or his cardio-respiratory system. But it was obviously a very concerning incident for all involved, and the emotion of the event could clearly be seen as players and match officials were visibly in tears at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Bove had made the move to Fiorentina on a season long loan spell back in August from parent club AS Roma, and the plan was to later turn the deal permanent. He actually scored his first goal for them against Roma back in October.
The presidents of both clubs were quick to send their well wishes to him and his family, and many others sent their own messages wishing him a speedy and quick recovery.
Right now, what is important is that he is stable and that he will get the treatment he requires as they get to the bottom of what was the true cause here of his ‘loss of consciousness’.
It is moments like these, rare may they hopefully continue to be, that football shows the best of itself as club colours and rivalries rightly, and quickly, go out of the window and it has not just been Italian fans sending their well wishes, messages have poured in from around the globe.
That should be applauded and I can only imagine it is a needed, small comfort, for his family and friends right now.
Hopefully we will have good news soon.
