Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch in his nation’s Euro 2020 opening match against Finland in Copenhagen, suspending the match for almost two hours while he was being taken to the hospital.
Eriksen had just played a short pass when he fell facedown onto the ground. His teammates immediately gestured for help and medics rushed onto the field. Eriksen was given chest compressions as his Denmark teammates stood around him in a shielding wall for privacy.
The TikTok below shows the frightening moment.
Eriksen was given urgent medical attention on the field for about 10 minutes after collapsing near the end of the first half. He was then carried off on a stretcher. UEFA then announced the game had been suspended “due to a medical emergency.” pic.twitter.com/nkrEbKXHtp
— The Azlan Ibrahim (@TheAzlanIbrahim) June 12, 2021
This prompted the Finland team to physically come together to give Eriksen a shield of privacy.
The Eriksen situation is seriously frightening. At first place, I saw how struggle eriksen to breath. ? . Then player come together to cover up. pic.twitter.com/35k5nCLEoQ
— Brohazique (@BroHazique) June 12, 2021
Following the incident, his Inter Milan teammate, Romelu Lukaku has sent him a message of support.
“Chris, Chris… I love you!” ❤️
Romelu Lukaku gives #BEL an early lead over #RUS – before delivering a message of love for club team-mate Christian Eriksen ?#ITVFootball | #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/AJsMrQloyu
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 12, 2021
Football fans around the world have their thoughts and prayers with Eriksen.
Please God be ok Christian Eriksen, most disturbing thing I’ve ever seen live ??
— LiveFootballHD (@LiveFootBallHD0) June 12, 2021
This for me is the image of the day. A powerful reminder they are Dads, Husbands, Sons, Brothers etc. first & foremost. #Eriksen #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/SHgSyfQYXb
— poc (@peteoconn) June 12, 2021
Danish football federation director Peter Moeller said Eriksen got a “heart massage” while being treated on the field.
“He fell over and got help and heart massage on the field,” Moeller told Danish public broadcaster DR. “He was fortunately awake when he left the stadium.”
UEFA reported that Eriksen has been stabilized following the major scare and the Danish football federation said ‘he was awake’.
The game ended with Finland taking the game 1-0, Joel Pohjanpalo with the only goal.
The incident reminds us that life is fragile. Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Eriksen and his family.
*Cover Image Credits: AFP