UEFA releases statement after Christian Eriksen collapses during Denmark Euro 2020 match as ‘crisis meeting’ takes place
CHRISTIAN Eriksen has been “transferred to hospital and stabilised,” UEFA said in a statement.
Denmark’s midfielder collapsed during their opening Euro 2020 game against Finland and received CPR on the pitch.
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A statement issued by UEFA said: “Following the medical emergency involving Denmark’s player Christian Eriksen, a crisis meeting has taken place with both teams and match officials and further information will be communicated at 19:45 CET. The player has been transferred to the hospital and has been stabilised.”
The Danish DBU football association tweeted that the 29-year-old was “awake and at Rigshospitalet for further examinations”.
Finland’s national side said in a Twitter message: “Christian Eriksen is awake and his condition is stable. The thoughts of Finland’s men’s national team, the Football Association of Finland, and the Finnish footballing family are with Eriksen, his loved ones and the Danish team.”
Eriksen had just played a short pass when he fell face-forward onto the ground.
His teammates immediately gestured for help and medics rushed onto the field.
Medical staff immediately rushed the field and performed CPR in an attempt to resuscitate Eriksen. Denmark players formed a circle around the medical staff in a bid for privacy.
Shocked fans in Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium looked on in horror as medics tended to the ex-Spurs star.
Eriksen’s team mates formed a circle around the Inter Milan ace, with some in tears.
The match was stopped in the 43rd minute.
English referee Anthony Francis signalled immediately for medical staff to come onto the pitch after Eriksen collapsed.
The midfielder’s wife, Sabrina Kvist Jensen, was seen in tears and being consoled by Danish players after she rushed down to the pitch.
UEFA later announced the match has been suspended due to a “medical emergency”.
Both teams left the field with officials holding up sheets to hide Eriksen from view.
Eriksen is one of Denmarks biggest stars and the incident brought an instant sense of shock to the Parken Stadium, where about 15,000 fans fell into hushed silence. Some supporters could be seen crying and hugging in the stands.
As the fans in the stadium were waiting for updates, Finland supporters started chanting Christian, which was then answered by the Danish fans shouting Eriksen.
A huge roar then went up from all supporters when the stadium announcer said Eriksen was stable and awake.
It comes as…
- Christian Eriksen in ‘stable condition’ after collapsing during Denmark v Finland Euro 2020 match
- Euro 2020 fans slam BBC for not cutting away after Eriksen collapsed
- Football world prays for Christian Eriksen after Denmark star given CPR on pitch
- Denmark vs Finland to restart at 7.30pm on players’ request
Eriksen’s club Inter Milan tweeted a message of support with a praying hands emoji.
The said: “Forza Chris, all of our thoughts are with you!”
England cancelled their press conference previewing the eagerly-anticipated Euro 2020 clash against Croatia after Eriksen collapsed.
The Three Lions kick off a tournament they hope to begin and end at Wembley on Sunday afternoon against the side that knocked them out at the semi-final stage of the World Cup three years ago.
England manager Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane were due to preview the Group D contest at 6.30pm on Saturday, before the distressing events in Copenhagen began to filter through.
Kane played with the 29-year-old for many years at Tottenham, where fellow England squad members Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier were also team-mates.
A message displayed on the virtual link that had been due to host the pre-match press conference read: “In light of the awful events unfolding in Copenhagen, the FA have asked permission not to do their press conference scheduled at 19.30 CET. So the ENG press conference is cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.”
The Football Association said in a statement: “Our thoughts this evening are with Christian Eriksen and his family, and all connected with the Danish Football Union.”
Marcus Rashford sent a prayer emoji alongside one of a Danish flag on Twitter, while fellow England forward Raheem Sterling posted: “Thoughts and prayers go out to Christian Eriksen and his family.”
Ben Chilwell posted the same and Declan Rice said he was “praying for @ChrisEriksen8”, with Jadon Sancho also expressing that sentiment.
UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden was among those who posted online about the “awful scenes” witnessed at the match in Copenhagen.
Former Spurs striker Gary Lineker, who was in the BBC studio for the match, tweeted: “Thank heavens. Some hope. Thoughts are with him and his family.”
David Lammy, the Labour MP for Tottenham and shadow justice secretary, tweeted: “Prayers and thoughts for Danish and Spurs Legend Christian Eriksen.
“We are all rooting for you brother.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: “Deeply upsetting scenes in Copenhagen.
“My thoughts right now are with Christian Eriksen, his family, and everyone in Denmark and around the world praying for his recovery.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote on the social media site: “Our thoughts and best wishes are with Chris Eriksen and his family.”
Football fans have slammed the BBC for not cutting away after Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener with Finland.
The former Spurs midfielder appeared to be receiving CPR as he was surrounded by his worried teammates – and the broadcaster continued filming.
SNP MP Gavin Newlands tweeted: “Devastating scenes in Copenhagen. I’m sure we’re all sending our best wishes to Christian and his family. We have to hang on to hope.
“(UEFA), the host broadcaster & the BBC should take a look at themselves. As soon as it was clear what had happened the camera’s should’ve cut away.”
One viewer described the move as “unacceptable” while another said the BBC had “traumatised an entire nation”.
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Another tweeted: “I’m not sure why they didn’t stop the cameras & go straight to the studio as soon as they saw he was getting CPR.
“I feel physically sick having watched this in real time. God I hope he’ll pull through. Only 29.”
The BBC has apologised after complaints that it continued to broadcast as Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen received treatment during his country’s Euro 2020 game in Copenhagen, saying: “We apologise to anyone who was upset by the images broadcast. In-stadium coverage is controlled by Uefa as the host broadcaster, and as soon as the match was suspended, we took our coverage off air as quickly as possible.”