Christian Eriksen, Danish Team Captain, Collapses On Field At The Euros

Eriksen was taken away on a stretcher and has been stabilized.
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A European Championship match between Denmark and Finland came to an abrupt halt on Saturday when Danish team captain Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field.

Players swiftly called over medical personnel and ― with some in tears ― formed a human shield around Eriksen as he received chest compressions and other aid at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.

Eriksen, a star midfielder, was taken away on a stretcher after about 10 minutes of medical attention.

He has been stabilised and transferred to a hospital for tests, according to an announcement from the Union of European Football Associations, which organises the tournament held every four years.

The match then resumed at the request of both teams.

🇩🇰 Respect. 🇫🇮

Get well soon, Christian. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/SyWDfFAcXG

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 12, 2021

Players were in the first half of the game when Eriksen appeared ready to receive a pass but instead collapsed near the sideline.

“Moments like this put everything in life into perspective,” UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said in a statement. “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.”

Eriksen reportedly spoke to his teammates on a video call to reassure them he felt okay.

Denmark's players gather around teammate Christian Eriksen, who collapsed on the pitch during a match between Denmark and Finland at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Saturday.
Denmark's players gather around teammate Christian Eriksen, who collapsed on the pitch during a match between Denmark and Finland at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Saturday.
Wolfgang Rattay - Pool via Getty Images

As spectators awaited further update on Eriksen’s condition, tributes poured in from fans, journalists and football clubs around the world.

“Incredible effort from the paramedic team,” tweeted Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

“My god, thinking of Eriksen and his family and sending all the love and strength available,” Team USA star player Megan Rapinoe said.

Denmark's players escort Eriksen off the field.
Denmark's players escort Eriksen off the field.
FRIEDEMANN VOGEL via Getty Images

Video from the stadium showed the fans shouting “Christian” and “Eriksen” back and forth in solidarity during the pause in the game, which lasted roughly 90 minutes.

The Finnish say “Christian” and the Danes say “Eriksen.” Beautiful scene. pic.twitter.com/xhjUgwuxEm

— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) June 12, 2021

The next match, between Belgium and Russia, will go forth as scheduled, the UEFA said.

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