A statement from Uefa says Eriksen has been stabilised after he was taken to hospital
The Euro 2020 game between Denmark and Finland has restarted after Christian Eriksen collapsed shortly before half-time.
The 29-year-old stumbled to the ground as the first half of the game in Copenhagen drew to a close. His teammates quickly realised the serious nature of the incident and formed a protective ring around him as he received emergency treatment on the field.
Following the game’s postponement, a statement from Uefa confirmed that Eriksen had been taken to hospital and had been stabilised.
‘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 statement read.
‘The player has been transferred to the hospital and has been stabilised.’
Another statement from Uefa soon followed, confirming the game would restart following a request from players from both teams. It kicked off at 7:30 (GMT), allowing the remainder of the first half to be played before a five minute interval for half-time.
Finland went on to win 1-0 and many of the Danish players were understandably tearful as they left the pitch, after the game.
Uefa also confirmed that the other game in Group B between Belgium and Russia would go ahead as scheduled.
“Moments like this put everything in life into perspective,” said Uefa president Aleksander Čeferin. “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.”
After putting Belgium 1-0 up, Eriksen’s Inter teammate Romelu Lukaku dedicated his opening goal to the stricken Dane:
"Chris, Chris! I love you."
Romelu Lukaku sends a message to Inter teammate Eriksen after scoring for Belgium 💗 https://t.co/YwhemCVyTD
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 12, 2021
Some positive and uplifting scenes after a jarring afternoon.
