Premier League stars are sharing messages of support after Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen received CPR on the pitch after collapsing during his country’s Euro 2020 game against Finland in Copenhagen.
Inter Milan player Eriksen dropped to the ground at the Parken Stadium shortly before half-time, leaving players from both teams in clear distress.
English referee Anthony Taylor called medics on to the pitch and Eriksen underwent prolonged treatment.
UEFA have since confirmed that Eriksen has been stabilised, with an official statement reading: “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. The player has been transferred to the hospital and has been stabilised.”
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A separate statement from the Danish football federation added: “Christian Eriksen is awake and is for further examinations at Rigshospitalet”
Manchester United and England star Marcus Rashford tweeted an emoji of the Denmark flag followed by the praying hands emoji.
Former Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a 2012 FA Cup game, tweeted: “Please God”.
“Shocked,” wrote Mesut Ozil. “We’re all with you, Christian Eriksen. Please be ok.”
Eriksen’s former club Tottenham tweeted: “All of our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his family.”
Speaking on the BBC’s coverage of the game, Cesc Fabregas said: “I don’t even know what to say really.
“My body is shaking. All I can think about is Christian’s family and what they must be going through. It’s a very very sad moment and I pray for the very best.”
Alex Scott added: “I can’t believe what we’re witnessing. I think football totally goes out of the window right now.
“You’re thinking about his family, all the rest of the players out there witnessing it as well. I actually just got on my phone and messaged my mum and told her I love her. I think it’s a reminder of how quickly life can change, just like that.”
“One thing you have to have, you have to have hope,” Micah Richards said. “You’ve seen it with Fabrice Muamba, he pulled through.
“That’s all you can do. We don’t know the news, you can’t make assumptions and all we can do is pray.”
Gary Lineker, who was presenting the BBC’s coverage, said: “Well that’s the one of the most distressing scenes I think I’ve ever seen at any football match.
“Christian Eriksen falling to the ground, his teammates surrounding him clearly distraught. Football truly put into perspective.
“I think the only thing I can think of remotely like that was Fabrice Muamba. He pulled through, let’s hope Christian pulls through as well. So distressing.”
