With a vast number of European clubs headed to the United States for summer friendlies, one of the most highly anticipated preseason warmup games took place between Real Madrid and AC Milan in Pasadena, California, on Sunday night.
The match had significant attention as it would be the debuts for two new signings, one on each side. Jude Bellingham was brought in by Real Madrid for a huge fee, while AC Milan acquired American international Christian Pulisic.
With both in the starting lineup, there was significant attention on the game at one of the nation’s most iconic stadiums.
Just before the match began, with fans tuning in to ESPN readying for kickoff at the Rose Bowl, there was an incredibly scary moment on the U.S. broadcast as analyst Shaka Hislop experienced an apparent medical emergency while live on air.
MORE: Real Madrid, AC Milan clash at the Rose Bowl in a preseason friendly
What happened to ESPN analyst Shaka Hislop?
Former West Ham, Newcastle United and Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, now serving as an ESPN analyst in the United States, had a medical episode that terrified viewers just prior to kickoff of the summer friendly between Real Madrid and AC Milan.
While live on air for pre-match coverage pitch-side at the Rose Bowl, Hislop began to sway before collapsing to the ground directly in front of pitch-side host Dan Thomas.
Thomas immediately called for medical attention while the broadcast continued for a few seconds, before ESPN eventually cut to a commercial break.
Shaka Hislop medical episode in USA
Viewers were left in shock after the incident and for some time were without knowledge of Hislop’s health status. When ESPN eventually came back to match coverage with kickoff imminent, play-by-play broadcaster Adrian Healey did not address the situation.
Indeed, the match began with no mention of the incident. The match’s on-time start was a positive sign, though, and eventually, ESPN provided an update on Hislop’s condition.
Thomas tweeted that Hislop was conscious and being attended to. About 10 minutes later, Healey announced live on air that Hislop was “OK” and under observation by medical professionals.
Shaka is conscious. The medics are looking after him.
— Dan Thomas (@DanThomasESPN) July 24, 2023
At halftime, a still clearly shaken Thomas did a sideline segment by himself to update viewers on Hislop’s condition. He said, “Obviously my mate Shaka is not here but as it stands, it’s good news. He’s conscious, he’s talking.”
Thomas said that they’ve spoken since the incident and Hislop is “a little embarrassed” by the whole ordeal, and that he “apologized profusely,” as he is “not a man who likes people to make a fuss over him.”
No reason for Hislop’s collapse was given, and Thomas said it was “too early for any kind of medical diagnosis.”
Thomas also said that Hislop’s family has been informed of his condition. He ended his segment with a smile and a shake of the head, saying, “Silly Shaka.”
Dan Thomas gave an update on Shaka Hislop’s condition.
Shaka is “conscious and talking” and has been tended to by medics 🙏 pic.twitter.com/B3mlEsxUfw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 24, 2023