Rio de Janeiro: A Brazilian league match between Rio de Janeiro rivals Vasco and Flamengo gave way to surreal scenes as footballers of both sides tried to push out an ambulance that broke down on the pitch while transporting an injured player to hospital.
Vasco midfielder Bruno Silva crumpled to the ground near the end of Saturday’s game in Brasilia after a clash of heads with a teammate, and briefly lost consciousness.
Medics took the decision to transport him to hospital, but the ambulance refused to start after Silva was loaded into the vehicle. Players then joined forces to help push the stricken ambulance off the pitch at the Mane Garrincha Stadium.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen that. It’s a lamentable scene. I thought the driver was kidding but he insisted the ambulance wouldn’t start and asked for our help,” Flamengo defender Rever was quoted as saying by ‘globoesporte.com’.
The match was interrupted for more than 10 minutes and finished in a 1-1 draw, and Silva was eventually discharged from hospital Sunday. “The player is well and he has been asked to rest for a few days and will be under observation,” said Vasco officials.