Everton's Premier League clash with Chelsea was temporarily suspended as medical staff responded to a medical emergency in the Goodison Park stands.
Police officers entered the field of play in the closing stages of the second half, with both clubs' medical teams following swiftly after. A spectator is said to have been taken unwell with the referee stopping the game and allowing experts to give treatment. The match resumed after around five minutes, with Chelsea eventually leaving Merseyside with a 1-0 victory.
The incident in the 85th minute of play was the second lengthy stoppage during Chelsea’s narrow win on Merseyside.
The incident in the 85th minute of play was the second lengthy stoppage during Chelsea’s narrow opening-day victory.
After a positive start from the hosts, their momentum was seriously hampered after Ben Godfrey suffered a sickening ankle injury. The England international was attempting to challenge Kai Havertz in the penalty area.
Godfrey successfully managed to do that, but in the process his ankle was caught underneath his body at the point of impact. The central defender was in agony on the pitch and immediately told referee Craig Pawson that he would need to come off.
The stretcher was quickly called by Everton’s physios with Godfrey receiving oxygen on the pitch, such was his distress. It's believed he was taken to hospital after being stretchered off across the pitch to the car park exit, not the dressing room.
Everton were good value for the 0-0 scoreline they looked destined to take into the half-time break, only to concede a penalty on the stroke of the break. The spot kick was awarded after Ben Chilwell made a rare foray into the hosts’ box and was bundled over by Abdoulaye Doucoure.
There were some protests by the home side, but Jorginho shrugged off any distractions to cooly slot the opener in Jordan Pickford’s bottom corner.
Frank Lampard’s side kept themselves in the game, but failed to ever really threaten Chelsea. Due to the pause in play, there was 10 minutes added time in the second half.
However, except for a couple of late throws, there was never any real sign that Everton would perform any late heroics.
