Will Euro 2020 continue? Shocking scenes in Denmark leave tournament stunned as Christian Eriksen requires CPR on the pitch after collapsing in group clash with Finland
The world of football was left traumatised after Denmark star Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during their Euro 2020 fixture with Finland in Copenhagen.
The match at the Parken Stadium was suspended and is set to resume at 7.30pm UK time and played to a finish.
Photographs showed Eriksen apparently conscious and sitting up as he was transported off the field on a rolling stretcher.
Denmark star Christian Eriksen has been rushed to hospital after collapsing on the pitch mid-game – as distressing footage shows medics giving him CPR
Pictures showed Eriksen sitting up on the stretcher with his eyes open as he was carried away this evening
Eriksen’s wife Sabrina Kvist was seen in floods of tears and was consoled by Denmark players as she rushed on to the Copenhagen pitch
Eriksen was seen taken off the pitch wearing oxygen and supported by urgent medical staff
A statement by the Danish Football Association confirmed Eriksen is awake and waiting for further tests in hospital.
But what implications will this have on Euro 2020 going forward?
Saturday’s Belgium vs Russia match
The other Group B fixture between Belgium and Russia, to be played in Saint Petersburg at 8pm UK time, is expected to go ahead as planned.
The team line-ups for this match were published on the UEFA website on time one hour and 20 minutes before the 8pm kick-off.
Jan Vertonghen of Belgium arrives at the stadium in Saint Petersburg ahead of the Russia game on Saturday evening
Finishing the Denmark vs Finland game
The match was suspended and the Danish FA announced it would be concluded on Saturday night with the resumption at 7.30pm.
This will avoid the need for further disruption to the tournament because the tight schedule would have made options to reschedule it tricky.
The players wanted to conclude the game after being consulted by officials.
A UEFA statement read: ‘Following the request made by players of both teams, UEFA has agreed to restart the match between Denmark and Finland tonight at 20:30 CET (TBC).
‘The last four minutes of the first half will be played, there will then be a 5-minute half-time break followed by the second half.’
Medics quickly rushed to Eriksen’s aid tonight. Players stood near him shocked fans watched
A statement posted to UEFA’s official Twitter account read: ‘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’
And the Danish Football Union confirmed their star player ‘is awake’ and awaits further tests at hospital
Finland are due to play Russia on Wednesday next week, while Denmark take on Belgium on Thursday.
England media duties
An England press conference at which manager Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane were due to appear to preview Sunday’s match against Croatia has been cancelled.
This was due to have taken place at 6.30pm. England’s Twitter account sent their best wishes to Eriksen and his family.
Kane is a former team-mate of Eriksen from the Dane’s time as a Tottenham player.
Harry Kane, who was due to talk to the media this evening, is an ex-team mate of Eriksen