Medical cart crashes into player during football match, sparks chaos as stunned players and staff confront driver: Watch

Some people came to confront the medical cart driver, but the referee mediated, and he was eventually allowed to drive away.

Updated on: Jun 1, 2026, 13:59:03 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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A second division football match in Ecuador witnessed a bizarre moment that left everyone shocked. During LDU Portoviejo and El Nacional's LigaPro Serie B match on Sunday, a medical cart was taking an injured player away from the field. But the medical cart got caught up in the action.

A medical cart became the unexpected villain during a football match. (X)

In the 72nd minute, with Portoviejo leading 1-0, the medical cart was wheeled to the touchline to treat an injured player. Nacional midfielder Edison Caicedo was speaking to a member of the coaching staff near the bench and didn't realise that the cart was coming in his direction. As he turned back towards the pitch, his right knee touched the vehicle, and he fell down holding it.

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It led to confusion, and everything was bizarre. Some people came to confront the medical cart driver, but the referee mediated, and he was eventually allowed to drive away.

Caicedo received some attention from his team's medical staff. He did not sustain a serious injury and continued playing, finishing the match.

Here is the video of the incident:

Reacting to the incident, one fan wrote, "How’s that not a straight RED card to the medical assistance cart".

Another fan added, “This is the footballers fault for not seeing where he was going, this is not the drivers fault at all!”

One fan joked, “thank goodness he had enough life left in him to move himself onto the pitch before being unable to move any further.”

This is not the first time that the medical cart has become the unlikely star of a football match. One of the most famous incidents involved Pele. During an exhibition match in Nigeria in 1990, after being substituted, Pele was taken around the stadium in a medical cart so fans could see him. The crowd became chaotic for the security to handle. A routine ride became a chaotic spectacle.

During the 2014 World Cup, an injured player was being taken off the pitch when the cart hit a bump and nearly threw him onto the grass.

Brazilian forward Neymar has a long relationship with medical cards. In one match, the medical card arrived before officials even assessed his injury.

In a lower-division match, a cart got stuck on the pitch while removing an injured player, prompting staff to push it off the field.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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