Schalke Player Helps Save Opponent's Life After Horrific Incident During Game

Schalke defender Nikola Katic made a potentially life-saving intervention on an opponent during his side's Bundesliga 2 match against Arminia Bielefeld on Saturday.

Centre-back Katic, who formerly played for Rangers and was part of the Plymouth side that knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup last season, signed for Schalke in the summer.

With Schalke 2-1 up in the second half, goalkeeper Loris Karius was involved in a collision with Bielefeld striker Joel Grodowski.

The impact knocked Grodowski unconscious - with Katic acting quickly to place him in the recovery position and ensuring that his airways were clear until medical personnel could arrive on the scene.

Karius collided with Grodowski (in blue) in the second half (Image: DFL)

He regained consciousness while on the pitch, but was immediately substituted as part of football's concussion protocols.

Though there has been no exact update on his condition, Bielefeld have stated that Grodowski is 'still doing well, considering the circumstances'.

They also posted a message of thanks to Katic, the other players involved and the medical staff for their swift actions.

"Thanks to the immediate and exemplary intervention of several players, the situation was resolved without incident," the German club stated.

"Schalke defender Nikola Katic reacted quickly: He turned Jonny into the recovery position and ensured his airway remained clear. He deserves our sincere thanks and respect for this quick and correct reaction."

Katic and manager Miron Muslic (both pictured) have worked together at Schalke and Plymouth (Image: Getty)

Schalke coach Miron Muslic, who has signed Katic twice in 2025 after his arrival at Plymouth in January, told reporters: "It looked pretty wild. Nikola reacted well in the hectic atmosphere. We at Schalke hope the boy is okay."

Schalke have won six of their eight league matches this season under Muslic, who was appointed in May after impressing at Home Park.

Though he couldn't keep the Pilgrims in the Championship after being appointed as Wayne Rooney's replacement in January, Plymouth collected 26 points from his 21 league games in charge and won five of their 10 matches to end the campaign.