By Shaun Murphy-
Former West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop collapsed live on air while covering a match between Real Madrid and AC Milan in California.
The 54-year-old was covering a pre-season friendly between Real Madrid and AC Milan on Sunday 23 July when he stumbled and fell to the ground next to fellow presenter Dan Thomas.
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Without warning, Shaka Hislop began to sway, visibly unsteady on his feet, before suddenly collapsing in front of pitch-side host Dan Thomas. The unexpected and alarming event immediately prompted Thomas to call for urgent medical attention. Despite the distressing situation, the broadcast continued for a few seconds before ESPN made the decision to cut to a commercial break.
In the aftermath of the incident Thomas immediately called for assistance and the channel cut for a commercial break.
Minutes after the incident, it was reported on Twitter by Thomas that Hislop was conscious and receiving care from medical professionals. At halftime, Thomas provided a further update, assuring viewers that Hislop was conscious, talking, and in good hands.
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The cause of the collapse was not immediately clear, but Hislop’s well-being and recovery were closely monitored, and his family was informed about the situation.
The former Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper has worked as a commentator for ESPN’s soccer coverage since his retirement from football in 2007.
Whilst speaking to his broadcasting partner Dan Thomas, Hislop staggered backwards and forwards before collapsing to the ground. This caused immediate concern amongst the crew and coverage was instantly cut as people rushed to his aid.
In an update at half-time, Thomas confirmed that Hislop was in a stable condition.
Thomas said: “That (the first half) was of course very much secondary to what happened ahead of the game. Obviously my mate Shaka is not here, but as it stands, it’s good news.”
Thomas added: “He’s conscious, he’s talking, I think he’s a little bit embarrassed about it all. He apologised profusely, not a man who likes people to make a fuss of him.”
Temperatures in California were reported to be around 30C, but it is unclear if the heat was a factor in Shaka Hislop’s collapse.
Thomas explained that it was currently far too early to make a diagnosis.
He said: “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.”
He was speaking alongside fellow presenter Dan Thomas when he stumbled backwards before falling face forwards towards the ground.
Thomas called for help as crew rushed to assist Hislop and the channel cut to a commercial break.
ESPN later tweeted to say Shaka was “conscious and talking” and had been tended to by medics.
Temperatures in California were reportedly around 30C on Sunday.
‘It’s good news’
In a half-time update, Thomas said: “Obviously my mate, Shaka, not here, but as it stands, it’s good news.
“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’ve spoke to his family as well, because you imagine seeing that happen live there can’t be many more things that can scare you amongst a family.
“We’ve spoke to his wife and things are looking OK.”
Thomas then paused before joking: “Silly Shaka.”
He added: “Thank you for all your love, and as it stands, Shaka looks like he’ll be alright.”
Hislop served two separate stints at West Ham from 1998-2002 and 2005-2006. He also played for Newcastle and Trinidad and Tobago.
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