Moment the football world held its breath – and prayed
THE Euros football tournament descended into horror yesterday when Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed during a match and underwent life-saving resuscitation on the pitch.
In distressing scenes that left players and fans in tears, the former Tottenham Hotspur star fell to the ground towards the end of the first half of Denmark’s match against Finland at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
Medical staff rushed to the stricken player’s aid and began performing CPR while some sobbing team-mates formed a protective cordon around him and others rushed to comfort his distressed girlfriend, Sabrina Kvist Jensen, by the side of the pitch.
Distraught fans then watched in horror and hope as paramedics spent 13 minutes battling to save Eriksen’s life.
Incredibly, the 29-year-old was revived and was conscious as he was carried off the pitch on a stretcher. Photographs showed him with his eyes open and his hand clutching his forehead. Governing body UEFA later confirmed he was in a stable condition in hospital, while the Danish Football Union said its star player was ‘awake’ and awaiting tests.
Eriksen’s former cardiologist at Tottenham last night told The Mail on Sunday that it was probable the star had suffered a cardiac arrest, despite having no history of heart problems.
The Group B match was suspended but, astonishingly, resumed just after 7.30pm last night after Eriksen spoke to his team-mates from his hospital bed on a FaceTime call and
‘One of the most distressing scenes I have seen at a match’
urged them to finish the game. Finland eventually won 1-0.
BBC presenter Gary Lineker described the incident as ‘one of the most distressing scenes I think I have ever seen at any football match’. Fighting back tears, fellow BBC presenter and former player Alex Scott said: ‘Football totally goes out of the window now. I actually just got on my phone and messaged my mum and told her I love her. I think it’s a reminder of how quickly life can change – just like that.’
The Duke of Cambridge, who is president of the FA, said last night: ‘Encouraging news about Christian Eriksen, we are all thinking about him and his family. Well done to the medical team and [English referee] Anthony Taylor for their calm and swift action.’
The drama began in the 42nd minute of the match as Denmark were attacking Finland’s goal. TV cameras cut to Eriksen – his team’s top scorer in their qualifying matches with five goals – who looked out of breath after chasing a ball that was cleared out of play by a Finland defender.
Eriksen, who moved from Tottenham to Italian side Inter Milan last year, slowed to a walk before staggering and collapsing to the ground as a team-mate Joakim Maehle threw the ball to him. Two other Danish players – Martin Braithwaite and Thomas Delaney – rushed to his side, with Delaney beckoning furiously for medical assistance.
Taylor blew his whistle before also waving for medical help.
Danish captain Simon Kjaer was seen ensuring Eriksen had not swallowed his tongue.
The Denmark team’s physios arrived within 20 seconds, but the players became distressed at the absence of emergency paramedics and waved for further assistance. An emergency team soon arrived and after a couple of minutes the stunned Denmark players formed a protective ring around Eriksen to shield him and the medical team.
A hush fell over the 16,000-strong crowd as the medics were seen pumping Eriksen’s chest. Many supporters were in tears and others were unable to watch the distressing scenes. Meanwhile, Kjaer and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel ran to comfort Ms Kvist Jensen, who has two children with Eriksen.
At 5.55pm the Finland team left the field, followed by the referee and other officials. Shortly afterwards, Eriksen, by now conscious, was removed from the pitch.
Many fans from both countries stayed behind to chant their support. Finland fans could be heard chanting ‘Christian’ and the Danes responded with a chorus of ‘Eriksen’. Meanwhile, fans and fellow players rushed to Twitter to share words of encouragement.
England winger Jadon Sancho wrote: ‘My prayers go out to’ followed by the Danish flag, a broken heart and a praying emoji. A message from the Scottish Football Association read: ‘The Scotland national team this evening are with Christian and the Danish FA.’
The England football team also tweeted its support: ‘Our thoughts this evening are with Christian Eriksen and his family, and all connected with [the Danish national team].’ Inter Milan said: ‘Forza [come on] Chris, all of our thoughts are with you!’
Back in the stadium, a roar erupted when it was announced that Eriksen was stable and awake. With the player still being treated on the pitch, the BBC cut back to the studio, where ex-Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas said: ‘My body is shaking. All I can think about is Christian’s family, and I pray for the very best.’
The BBC later apologised for not returning to the studio earlier and for showing images of a devastated Ms
Kvist Jensen being consoled while her partner’s life hung in the balance. BBC pundit Ian Wright was among those to voice their shock that the broadcaster showed footage from the stadium for so long. He tweeted: ‘Cut to the studio FFS...’
Eriksen, who began his career at Dutch club Ajax, is regarded as one of the most gifted players of his generation.
The attacking midfielder scored
51 goals for Spurs during his seven years at the club. After making his debut for Denmark in 2010, he became the side’s talisman and most recognisable player.
Yesterday’s incident echoed the collapse of Bolton Wanderers’ midfielder Fabrice Muamba during a televised FA Cup match against Tottenham in March 2012. He suffered a cardiac arrest but recovered despite his heart having stopped for 78 minutes.
In June 2003 Manchester City player Marc-Vivien Foe collapsed while playing for Cameroon against Colombia and died shortly afterwards. An autopsy found evidence of a hereditary condition known to increase the risk of sudden death.