Everton striker Armando Broja was concerningly stretchered off the pitch after suffering what appeared to be a severe ankle injury.
The incident occurred during Everton's FA Cup third-round clash with Peterborough United on Thursday night, where the Albanian striker, having come on as a second-half substitute, collapsed in pain following an awkward fall while pursuing the ball down the wing.
The match was halted for seven minutes as medical teams from Goodison Park attended to him, providing oxygen before he was carried away to the sound of supportive applause.
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BBC co-commentator Martin Keown expressed his sympathy, remarking, "Armando Broja is so unlucky with injuries," and noting the player's history with an ACL injury and subsequent struggles. "He doesn't look well, he has done something serious to that ankle. They are giving him oxygen."
The distressing scene unfolded in the 86th minute when Broja twisted his knee and landed heavily on the ground after a challenge by a Peterborough defender.
Despite the severity of the situation, the game proceeded without immediate interruption as it was not a head injury. It wasn't until the ball went out of play that Everton's medical staff could rush to assist Broja, who has been plagued by injuries, limiting him to just six appearances this season.
Late in the game, substitute Broja had rounded Peterborough goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic, only for the covering Emmanuel Fernandez to get back and tackle the striker.
Fernandez had not made a dangerous tackle to injure Broja, but the forward instead appeared to land on the turf uncomfortably, and could be seen pounding the pitch in frustration.
Everton's social media account described the incident: "Lengthy break in play here as Broja, who was down for a long time as play continued, receives treatment following an awkward fall from Fernandez's tackle.
"Broja cannot continue and he is taken off on a stretcher. Our thoughts are with you Armando. Jesper [Lindstrom] is on to replace him."
Everton secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Beto in the first half and a last-minute penalty by Illiman Ndiaye in the 97th minute.
The match was a rollercoaster for the Toffees, who were led by Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman after manager Sean Dyche was dismissed just three hours before the game started.
