Ex-Premier League star collapses live on TV in terrifying pre-season incident
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop collapsed live on air while covering Real Madrid vs AC Milan for ESPN.
Hislop, who played over 250 games in the English top flight for Newcastle United, West Ham United and Portsmouth, has turned into a successful pundit in the United States since his retirement. He was appearing on live coverage of Sunday's pre-season friendly in Pasadena, California when the frightening incident unfolded.
Whilst speaking to his broadcasting partner Dan Thomas, Hislop staggered backwards and forwards before collapsing to the ground. There was immediate alarm amongst the crew as the coverage instantly cut away and people rushed to his aid.
It was later reported that Hislop, 54, was conscious, talking and "a little bit embarrassed" as ESPN provided a positive update. His colleague gave the latest at half-time and after Hislop had been looked over by medics.
"That (the first half) was of course very much secondary to what happened ahead of the game," Thomas said. "Obviously my mate Shaka is not here, but as it stands, it's good news.
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"He's conscious, he's talking, I think he's a little bit embarrassed about it all. He's apologised profusely, not a man who likes people to make a fuss of him.
"Obviously it's too early to make any sort of diagnosis but the important thing is Shaka's conscious and we've spoken to his family as well, imagine seeing that happen live, there can't be many more things that can scare you amongst the family.
"We spoke to his wife and things are looking OK. Thank you for all your love, and as it stands, it looks like Shaka's going to be alright."
Hislop appeared uneasy on his feet in the immediate moments before he collapsed (ESPN)According to Accuweather.com, the weather in Pasadena was in the mid-80s (around 30 degrees celsius) on Sunday as the game took place. Fans quickly took to social media to wish Hislop well with the goalkeeper-turned-pundit a popular figure on both sides of the Atlantic.
AC Milan led 2-0 at half-time with Fikayo Tomori and Luka Romero getting on the scoresheet. Jude Bellingham started for Real Madrid, whilst Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic started for AC Milan after their recent moves from Chelsea.
Real Madrid made eight changes at the break with Bellingham one of only two outfield players to play more than 45 minutes. The other, Federico Valverde, scored a quick-fire double after the break to bring the Spanish side level. They resume pre-season action against Manchester United in Houston, Texas on Wednesday.
AC Milan, who won a pre-season run-out in Italy 6-0 before jetting to America, will remain in California. They take on Italian rivals Juventus in Los Angeles on Thursday.
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