Former premier league goalkeeper faints on air during pre-game report at Milan-Real Madrid friendly in LA
ESPN touchline reporter and former Trinidad and Tobago and Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop startled viewers by fainting in the middle of an on-air report at Sunday's AC Milan-Real Madrid friendly in Pasadena, California.
The 54-year-old began wobbling before falling forward into his broadcast partner, Dan Thomas, sparking immediate panic on the touchline.
ESPN quickly cut to a break after Hislop’s collapse. The network later updated viewers, saying that Hislop was ‘conscious’ and being examined by medics on the pitch.
‘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.’
There was an immediate outpouring of concern on social media following Hislop’s collapse.
Much love to Shaka Hislop and all at ESPN tonight,’ the Men in Blazers tweeted. ‘Terrifying to witness. Wishing all strength and a speedy return to health for the big man.’
‘Sending thoughts and prayers to Shaka Hislop after he passed out live on the ESPN broadcast of AC Milan vs. Real Madrid,’ read a fan tweet. ‘Glad to hear he’s conscious now, and the medics are looking after him.”’
‘Positive thoughts going out to Shaka Hislop,’ read another. ‘Hoping it’s just the heat.’
