Former Premier League player Shaka Hislop faints live on air

Footie fanatics were left shocked after sports reporter Shaka Hislop fainted live on air.

Former Trinidad and Tobago international and Premier League goalkeeper Hislop was working as an analyst for US broadcaster ESPN when the terrifying incident happened.

Covering Sunday's friendly between Real Madrid and AC Milan in California, Hislop stumbled and fell to the ground as he was asked a question during a pre-match pitchside interview.

Dan Thomas, the presenter heading up ESPN's coverage, looked in utter shock as he attended to his colleague and called for medical assistance.

The channel then swiftly changed to a commercial break.

Temperatures in Pasadena, California hit around 30 degrees on Sunday, though it is unclear whether the heat played any part in Hislop's collapse.

During the interval of the Real Madrid, AC Milan pre-season game, Thomas provided an update on Hislop's health, and thankfully it was good news.

He told viewers: "My mate, Shaka, not here, but as it stands, it's good news.

"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."

OMG Shaka… hope he’s fine. @ESPNFC @DanThomasESPN @ShakaHislop pic.twitter.com/CfkviwSTJe

— Naman (@iamN7) July 24, 2023

Many viewers who were watching the coverage live flocked to social media with an outpouring of concern.

One person on Twitter wrote: "Scary scenes during the pregame show for AC Milan-R Madrid as Shaka Hislop collapsed. They're saying he's conscious and doing OK, but damn that's intense. Hopefully nothing serious."

The Men in Blazers tweeted: "Much love to Shaka Hislop and all at ESPN tonight. Terrifying to witness. Wishing all strength and a speedy return to health for the big man."

"Hope Shaka Hislop is okay. That was scary to watch!" another fan added.

Hislop, a former goalkeeper, played 26 times for his country Trinidad and Tobago, while he also made multiple appearances in the Premier League.

He played 121 times for West Ham in two spells from 1998 to 2002 and 2005 to 2006.

In England, he also played for Newcastle United, Portsmouth and Reading.

The goalkeeper rounded his career off before retiring with US side FC Dallas.