Amrabat, a midfielder hailing from Fiorentina, collapsed during the first half led to the suspension of the match between Fiorentina and Empoli. Fiorentina’s Stadio Artemio Franchi was hosting the match, and the game was suspended in the 37th minute after Amrabat fell apparently without contact or prior injury.
Paramedics arrived on the scene, while players on both teams were visibly shaken. The 27-year-old Morocco international received emergency medical attention as doctors quickly assessed his state. Fortunately, Amrabat regained consciousness prior to being wobbled off the field and transported to the hospital for observation.
Fiorentina officials told the public and fans that Amrabat was stable and alert. “Sofyan is responsive and under medical care. We will update the situation as we get further news,” Fiorentina’s team doctor said in a statement after the incident.
The delay, which took nearly an hour, made the match officially declared off, and unsafe and inappropriate for both teams and the referee. Both teams were relieved that Amrabat’s health was the reason for this decision.
Paolo Zanetti, the coach of Empoli, was shocked by the scenario and said, “Football is only a game and the most important thing for us is the health of our players. We all are happy to hear that Sofyan is stable.”
The Amrabat collapse has surfaced in the wake of increasing worries over player safety in European football, especially after several cases of publicized cardiac arrests. All around the world, players, fans, and clubs are rallying behind Amrabat with a sea of messages on social media.
Serie A officials are yet to make public a date when the match will be played, waiting on further information regarding Amrabat’s health. All their attention for now remains towards the well-being and recovery of the Fiorentina player.
