Denmark vs Finland LIVE: Christian Eriksen ‘was gone’ before medical intervention, team doctor reveals
Play was suspended after the Danish midfielder collapsed on the pitch at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen
Denmark’s opening Euro 2020 game against Finland in Copenhagen had to be suspended after Danish player Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field of play.
Medical staff were quick to attend to him while his teammates, opposition and coaching staff were visibily stricken by the scenes unfolding at the Parken Stadium.
Teammates formed a shield around the former Tottenham man, while fans inside the stadium were clearly stunned by the incident, with some pictured in tears. Referee Anthony Taylor called a halt to proceedings shortly before half-time with Finnish players retiring to the dressing room. Danish players remained on the field as doctors attended to Eriksen.
Uefa later confirmed that the match had been suspended officially due to “a medical emergency”. They later confirmed that Eriksen had been transferred to hospital and had been “stabilised.” A further communication from the Danish FA indicated Eriksen was awake when he left the stadium.
The European football governing body also confirmed that the game would restart at 7.30pm with Finland running out winners thanks to Joel Pohjanpalo’s second-half goal.
Christian Eriksen sends greetings to teammates from hospital as Danish FA thanks fans
Christian Eriksen: Football world comes together in support for Denmark player after collapse during match
Fans chant ‘Christian Eriksen’ after player’s collapse at Euro 2020
What may have caused Christian Eriksen to collapse?
England vs Croatia LIVE: Euro 2020 team news, line-ups and more today
Euro 2020: Denmark 0 - 0 Finland
48 mins: Denmark win a corner and Mathias Jensen swings it into the middle of the box. Jonas Wind flicks the ball on with his head but doesn’t pick out a teammate and the ball is worked clear.
Euro 2020: Denmark 0 - 0 Finland
Second half kick off: Back in Copenhagen, the match has restarted. Yussef Poulsen is played into the left side of the Finnish penalty and his cross into the middle finishes in the hand of Lukas Hradecky.
Euro 2020: Belgium vs Russia
In 20 minutes time the final game of the day kicks off between Belgium and Russia in St. Petersburg. This is the sixth meeting between Belgium and Russia at a major tournament, but the first at the European Championship.
Russia won the first two encounters at the 1970 and 1982 World Cup, both as USSR. Since then, Belgium have prevailed in all three subsequent matches.
Euro 2020: Half-time: Denmark 0 - 0 Finland
45 mins: There’s going to be a five minute interval now before the second half commences. It remains goalless at the break.
Euro 2020: Denmark 0 - 0 Finland
44 mins: How are the Denmark players going to finish this game? It truly is a sign of incredible strength and fortitude. As for the game, the players are attempting to get back up to speed. Knocking the ball around in simple passes with the odd cross into the box.
Euro 2020: Denmark 0 - 0 Finland
41 mins: Back to the formalities now. Mathias Jensen has replaced Christian Eriksen for Denmark. The final four minutes of the first half will be played and then a short break taken before the second half gets underway.
Euro 2020: Denmark 0 - 0 Finland
The news filtering through about Christian Eriksen has all been positive. His teammates have spoken to him and then agreed to finish the match.
Euro 2020: Denmark vs Finland
The game will restart at 19:30pm UK time. The players are out on the pitch warming up. Most of the fans remained in the stadium, probably hoping for news of Christian Eriksen.
Euro 2020: Uefa President Aleksander Čeferin on Christian Eriksen
Moments like this put everything in life into perspective. I wish Christian a full and speedy recovery and pray his family has strength and faith. At these times, the unity of the football family is so strong and he and his family carry with them the good wishes and prayers of everyone. I heard of fans of both teams chanting his name. Football is beautiful and Christian plays it beautifully.”
Euro 2020: Denmark vs Finland
Coverage of Denmark vs Finland will resume at 19:25pm on BBC One. It seems a strange decision to finish the match given the emotional state of both sets of players but they made the decision.
It showcases incredible courage and strength and I hope that all of the players do genuinely want to play and none feel pressured to do so.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments