As with any other competitive sport, physical injuries tend to happen. From ankle sprains, shin splints, to ankle sprains, athletes have experienced them all.
While it’s possible to blackout in the middle of a match, it’s more or less uncommon.
If you’re one of those soccer diehard fans though, you might have witnessed just that at Euro 2020 yesterday.
Denmark Soccer Player Collapsed During Euro 2020 Match
During a match between Denmark and Finland in Copenhagen yesterday (June 12), an extraordinary scene occurred. Denmark star Christian Eriksen suddenly collapsed in the 42nd minute of the match while running near the left touchline.
Earlier, the midfielder’s teammates were in tears as they rushed to form a loop around Eriksen. After receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by medical personnel, he was carried off the field.
Thereafter, both teams exited the field with officials raising up sheets to shield the affected player from view.
The match was halted just before half-time with the score goalless.
In a short statement, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) updated that “The UEFA EURO 2020 match in Copenhagen has been suspended due to a medical emergency”.
After nearly two hours, the match restarted at 2.30am Singapore time. UEFA said the decision to restart was made “following the request made by players of both teams”.
Finland won 1-0 with their sole goal attempt of the match.
Eriksen “awake and undergoing further tests”
In a statement, The Danish Football Union (DBU) confirmed that “Christian Eriksen is awake and is undergoing further tests” at the hospital.
When stadium announcers said that Eriksen was “stable”, chants of “Christian” and “Eriksen” filled the stadium. Both sides of supporters began to stand on their feet in support of him.
You’ve gotta admit. That was a heartwarming moment.
The 29-year-old Inter Milan midfielder was later able to communicate with his teammates.
“We’ve been in contact with him, and the players have spoken to Christian. That’s the great news. He’s doing fine, and they are playing the game for him,” DBU director Peter Moeller mentioned.
In a gesture of support, Eriksen was voted man of the match.
Lukaku sends support to Eriksen
Despite the Eriksen drama, the match between Russia and Belgium went ahead in Saint-Petersburg. Romelu Lukaku bagged a 3-0 win for the Red Devils.
After scoring his opening goal in the 10th minute, the Inter striker was heard shouting “Chris, Chris, stay strong – I love you” into a pitchside camera.
I’m sure his club teammate would be touched by that message of support.
May Christian Eriksen get all the rest he requires and recuperate well.
Featured Image: Facebook (Just Football)
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