A MINDLESS THUG threw a coin at Christian Eriksen after the Dane made his first international appearance since his on-pitch heart attack.
The now Brentford player was back in action for his country 287 days after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch against Finland at Euro 2020.
Eriksen shook off a recent bout with Covid to be involved and was summoned from the bench at half-time in the friendly clash against Netherlands.
Fittingly taking place at the former Ajax star’s old Amsterdam Arena home, Eriksen made an instant impact.
Introduced with his side trailing 3-1, Eriksen stepped onto a 47th minute Andreas Skov Olsen cutback to fire emphatically beyond Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
The Netherlands would go on to win 4-2, before the shocking coin throwing incident after the game.
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Watch Eriksen score just two minutes into emotional return for Denmark
Eriksen, 30, was being interviewed on the pitch following his return, but was struck by a projectile midway through.
The former Tottenham star was momentarily distracted as a coin appeared to strike his side, before carrying on with his answer.
Looking shocked, he said: “Did they just throw a coin? Unbelievable.”
This bizarre incident put a sour note to Eriksen’s big day.
But overall, it didn’t sully the midfielder’s return too much.
He told Sky Sports: “I felt very welcome [by the Netherlands fans].
“I’ve been here before [for Ajax] for many years so of course they know me, but it was a very heart-warming reception for sure.
“I was happy the ball came to me and of course, it was a lovely finish. To start the comeback in international football like this was the perfect way.
“I’m looking forward to playing at the Qatar World Cup but there are a lot of games in between and I’m focused on them.”
The Netherlands would prevail 4-2 in the end, after goals by Nathan Ake, Memphis Depay and a double for Steven Bergwijn.
Jannik Vestergaard netted Denmark’s other effort.
After being fitted with an ICD last year, Eriksen was forced to leave Inter Milan due to Serie A regulations.
He then signed for Brentford on January transfer deadline day, making his return to competitive action from the bench against Newcastle on February 26.
Eriksen has since started in wins against Norwich and Burnley.