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Former Premier League goalkeeper, Shaka Hislop faints during live broadcast of AC Milan and Real Madrid friendly
During a live broadcast of the friendly match between AC Milan and Real Madrid in Pasadena, California, former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop collapsed.
The 54-year-old showed signs of instability before falling forward into his ESPN broadcast partner, Dan Thomas, causing concern among viewers and those present on the touchline.
OMG Shaka… hope he’s fine. @ESPNFC @DanThomasESPN @ShakaHislop pic.twitter.com/CfkviwSTJe
— Naman (@iamN7) July 24, 2023
The weather in Pasadena on the day of the incident was in the mid-80s, but it remains unclear if the heat played a role in Hislop’s collapse. ESPN quickly cut to a break after the incident, and later updated viewers, assuring them that Hislop was conscious and receiving medical attention on the pitch.
At halftime, Thomas informed viewers that Hislop was doing well, conscious, and even talking. He mentioned that Hislop was a bit embarrassed about the situation and had apologized for the incident. Thomas also noted that Hislop prefers not to draw attention to himself, hence his reluctance to make a fuss.
‘My mate, Shaka, not here, but as it stands, it’s good news,’ a visibly relieved Thomas told viewers at half-time. ‘He’s conscious, he’s talking, I think he’s a little embarrassed about it all. He’s apologised profusely. Not a man who likes people to make a fuss of him.
‘Obviously far too early to make any sort of diagnosis, but the important thing is, that Shaka’s conscious and we spoke to his family as well, because you imagine seeing that happen live.
‘We spoke to his wife and things are looking OK,’ Thomas concluded, before joking: ‘Silly, Shaka.’
Shaka Hislop had a successful football career, playing as a goalkeeper for several notable clubs. He made over 100 appearances for both Reading and West Ham United during his career. Hislop also represented Newcastle United and Portsmouth before retiring from professional football in 2007.
Following his retirement from playing, Hislop transitioned into a career in television as a football pundit and analyst. He became a familiar face on ESPN, providing expert commentary and analysis on football matches and events.