The incident happened in the first quarter of a game in Cincinnati when Hamlin, 24, collided hard in the first quarter with Tee Higgins as he tried to stop an opponent. The competitor from Buffalo got to his feet after the collision, then fell a moment later, losing consciousness. The footballer was resuscitated on the pitch and then taken to hospital by ambulance. Players from both teams appeared shocked by the event, with some crying. While Hamlin was taken to the hospital, the other football players were sent to the locker room.

“Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after being hit in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. His pulse was restored on the field and he was taken to a local hospital where he is in critical condition,” the Buffalo club said in a statement.

Hamlin’s family, who were present at the game, left the stands soon after the incident and accompanied him to the hospital. Fans of both teams gathered outside the building waiting for the latest news, some of them held candles in their hands and said prayers.

During an NFL conference call, it was reported that the Bills players were scheduled to return to Buffalo later that evening, although some of them preferred to stay in Cincinnati and support a colleague there. A decision on the resumption of the match will be made later. The Buffalo team is scheduled to end the regular phase on Sunday with a meeting with the New England Patriots.

“It’s not our priority at this time, we are concerned about the player and his health. I’m sure we’ll discuss next steps for the game in due course,” said Jeff Miller, vice president of communications, public affairs and NFL politics. told reporters.

Tennis player Jessica Pegula, daughter of Buffalo Bills owners, said she was concerned about the situation. The 28-year-old American is currently in Australia, where she is playing in the United Cup with the national team.

“It’s just terrible. Really no words. It’s good that they stopped the game. You realize again that there are many things that are more important than sport and competition. C was pretty scary,” said the tennis player.

American football, one of the most violent team sports, has faced growing concerns in recent years about concussions in players caused by blows to the head.

The NFL’s protocol for dealing with player injuries was tightened last October. A ban on restarting a match has been introduced if motor instability is observed in any football player, regardless of the cause.

The decision was made following controversy during a meeting between the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills in late September. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was on the field despite a very violent impact he had suffered a few days earlier which left him with a concussion.

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