Eriksen stable, awake after frightening collapse
Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen is awake and conscious in hospital, officials said, following his sudden collapse on the pitch of Parken Stadium during his country’s Euro 2020 game against Finland.
UEFA, the football tournament’s ruling body, said in a Twitter post that the 29-year-old “has been transferred to the hospital and has been stabilised” after Saturday’s incident in Copenhagen. Denmark’s football body also twittered that Eriksen was “conscious” and undergoing tests.
The scoreless game was initially suspended but UEFA, the tournament’s ruling body, later announced it was to resume after a “request made by players of both teams”.
Eriksen fell to the ground, free of contact, near the sideline late in the first half during the Group B clash. Teammates Martin Braithwaite and Thomas Delaney rushed to assist him, beckoning furiously for medical assistance.
The attacking midfielder, who plays for Italian club Inter Milan, was immediately surrounded by medical staff who began pumping his chest as distraught teammates formed a ring around him. After about 15 minutes, Eriksen was stretchered off the field followed by the rest of his teammates, while Finland’s players also left the pitch.
Shocked, the about 15 000 fans in the stadium sat silently in their seats, then sang the Danish national anthem and shouted “Christian Eriksen” while they were waiting for news about the player. The dramatic scenes prompted an outpouring of support from football players and fans alike on social media.
Later on, stadium announcers said that the final minutes of the first half would be played, then following a short break, the second half. Finland’s Joel ohjanpalo scored against the run of play in the 60th minute to give his country the win.
After the final whistle, Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said his team made a massive effort to complete the match. “What the players did was unbelievable. I couldn’t be more proud,” Hjulmand said. “The players are exhausted and emotionally drained. We had two options. To complete the match today or play tomorrow at noon. Everyone wanted to play today. The players were certain they couldn’t sleep so it was better to say let’s get it done now.”
Hjulmand said he had talked to Eriksen and his family, and added: “We were all reminded what the most important thing in life is: health. To have people around you who are close. All our thoughts are with Christian and his family.”