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      Piers Morgan salutes Christian Eriksen’s heroic captain Simon Kjaer who gave him CPR and comforted his wife

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      PIERS Morgan led tributes to footballer Christian Eriksen tonight after he collapsed during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener with Finland.But he had particularly fulsome praise for his captain, Simon Kjaer, who gave him CPR on the pitch – before leading his team.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Denmark captain Simon Kjaer started the CPR on team-mate Christian EriksenCredit: AFP
      He wrote: “Danish footballer Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch today in the European Championships and for a few horrifying minutes it seemed his life was in danger.
      “Thankfully he is now stable in hospital & seems to be OK. One reason for that may be this man…
      “Denmark’s captain @simonkjaer.official ensured Eriksen didn’t swallow his tongue when he was unconscious, gave him CPR, told the squad to form a protective shield around him, consoled Eriksen’s horrified wife & has now led his team back into the game.”
      He concluded: “You, sir, are a hero. 👏👏.”
      The Danish leader then comforted Eriksen’s wife SabrinaCredit: Reuters
      Christian Eriksen collapsed and was surrounded by players as Denmark played FinlandCredit: AFP
      Stars including Holly Willoughby also sent their best wishes after the former Spurs midfielder was stretchered off.
      Piers tweeted earlier to tell fans it looked like the former Spurs midfielder would be OK after being was stretchered off.
      He wrote: “Christian Eriksen appears to be alive & conscious in this new photo from @GettyImages – very encouraging development after the desperate earlier scenes. Hope & pray he’s OK.🙏.”
      Holly posted an emoji of the Danish flag alongside the “🙏” praying hands emoji.
      Gary Lineker responded to a Uefa statement that Eriksen ‘has been stabilised’
      Piers Morgan write: ‘Hope & pray he’s OK’ after he appeared to be conscious
      This Morning’s Holly Willoughby shared the Danish flag with a praying emoji
      Piers tweeted: ‘Christian Eriksen appears to be alive & conscious’Credit: Rex
      Gary Lineker also posted as it was revealed the star has been transferred to hospital writing: “Thank heavens. Some hope. Thoughts are with him and his family.”
      Responding to criticism that cameras lingered too long on the nightmarish scenes, he wrote: “I understand some of you would have been upset with some of the images shown (we were too).
      “Obviously these were the host pictures and out of our control. They should have stayed on a wide of the stadium. Apologies.”
      The shocking scenes happened towards the end of the first half of the teams’ opening match.
      Denmark’s Eriksen in action against Finland before he collapsed on the pitchCredit: EPA

      A UEFA Euro 2020 spokesman has tweeted that Eriksen was rushed to hospital and “has been stabilised”.
      Shocked fans among the 16,000 crowd at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium looked on in horror as medics tended to the ex-Spurs star.
      English referee Anthony Francis signalled immediately for medical staff to come onto the pitch after Eriksen collapsed.
      His distraught teammates formed a circle around the Inter Milan ace, with some in tears.
      The midfielder’s wife, Sabrina Kvist, was being consoled by Danish players after she rushed down to the pitch.
      The match against Finland was restarted at 7.30pm after Eriksen asked Denmark’s team to play on.
      Christian Eriksen given CPR after collapsing in worrying scenes in Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener vs Finland More

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      Croatia star Luka Modric slams English media as ‘arrogant’ ahead of Euro 2020 clash against Three Lions

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      LUKA MODRIC has slammed the ‘arrogant’ English media ahead of Croatia’s European Championship clash with the Three Lions on Sunday.The 35-year-old will lead his team out against England in the first of their three Group D games at Euro 2020.
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      Modric will lead his Croatia side out against England on SundayCredit: AP
      Modric is not impressed with the message the English media are sending outCredit: Getty – Contributor
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      And the Real Madrid midfielder feels the overconfident nature of the England camp is more the case among the the media than the team themselves.
      He told reporters: “That arrogance is not so much related to the players but the people around them, some of the journalists and the commentators.
      “I haven’t really been following their media lately because we only want to deal with football.”
      Modric and Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic also labelled the ‘It’s coming home’ chant synonymous with England fans ‘disrespectful’ to them.
      They insisted it fuelled them before the World Cup semi-final which Croatia came out on top in back in 2018.
      Meanwhile, Modric did take the time to praise England for having improved since that World Cup clash three years ago.
      He told talkSPORT: “For me, they are better than they were three years ago. No doubt.
      “The main threats? To say one player is difficult because they have so many great players, talented players, young players that are hungry for the success and will be very dangerous at this Euros. For me, they are one of the favourites.
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      “Especially as they are playing at home and it’s a good part for them. Advantage? It’s not a huge one but it is as there will not be away fans.”
      Croatia lost 4-2 to France in the World Cup final back in 2018, the first time the country had ever reached that stage of the competition.
      They remain a side who very few have tipped to win the upcoming Euros, but Modric is not phased at all by that.
      “It’s our destiny that everyone underestimates us before a big tournament, but it’s not bothering us that people don’t see us as favourites,” he said.
      “We’re there and we will fight and give everything like we always give when playing for Croatia.
      “We will see where we will reach, what stage of the tournament. We’re not the same team as we were in the World Cup, there are some players who have left and some young players who have come in and you need time for everything to be put in place.
      “We are still dangerous for everything. I don’t think everyone is looking forward to playing against us.”
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

      England vs Croatia live stream, TV channel and kick-off time and team news for Euro 2020 match More

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      UEFA releases statement after Christian Eriksen collapses during Denmark Euro 2020 match as ‘crisis meeting’ takes place

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      CHRISTIAN Eriksen has been “transferred to hospital and stabilised,” UEFA said in a statement.Denmark’s midfielder collapsed during their opening Euro 2020 game against Finland and received CPR on the pitch.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Eriksen’s team mates stood round the player as he received medical attention on the pitchCredit: EPA
      Many fans in the stadium looked on in disbelief and the distressing scenesCredit: AFP
      A statement issued by UEFA said: “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.”
      The Danish DBU football association tweeted that the 29-year-old was “awake and at Rigshospitalet for further examinations”.
      Finland’s national side said in a Twitter message: “Christian Eriksen is awake and his condition is stable. The thoughts of Finland’s men’s national team, the Football Association of Finland, and the Finnish footballing family are with Eriksen, his loved ones and the Danish team.”
      Eriksen had just played a short pass when he fell face-forward onto the ground.
      His teammates immediately gestured for help and medics rushed onto the field.
      Medical staff immediately rushed the field and performed CPR in an attempt to resuscitate Eriksen. Denmark players formed a circle around the medical staff in a bid for privacy.
      Shocked fans in Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium looked on in horror as medics tended to the ex-Spurs star.
      Eriksen’s team mates formed a circle around the Inter Milan ace, with some in tears.
      UEFA confirmed Eriksen had been rushed to hospital for treatmentCredit: Twitter
      Finland’s players were clearly concerned about Eriksen’s health
      The match was stopped in the 43rd minute.
      English referee Anthony Francis signalled immediately for medical staff to come onto the pitch after Eriksen collapsed.
      The midfielder’s wife, Sabrina Kvist Jensen, was seen in tears and being consoled by Danish players after she rushed down to the pitch.
      UEFA later announced the match has been suspended due to a “medical emergency”.
      Both teams left the field with officials holding up sheets to hide Eriksen from view.
      Eriksen is one of Denmarks biggest stars and the incident brought an instant sense of shock to the Parken Stadium, where about 15,000 fans fell into hushed silence. Some supporters could be seen crying and hugging in the stands.
      As the fans in the stadium were waiting for updates, Finland supporters started chanting Christian, which was then answered by the Danish fans shouting Eriksen.
      A huge roar then went up from all supporters when the stadium announcer said Eriksen was stable and awake.
      Christian Eriksen latest:- EURO HORROR Eriksen rushed to hospital in ‘stable condition’ after collapsing on pitch- PLAY ON Christian Eriksen ‘FaceTimes Denmark team-mates from hospital’ and says play-on- BEEB FURY BBC apologises after fans slam them for not cutting away after Eriksen collapsed- ‘PLEASE GOD’ Football world prays for Eriksen after Dane collapses and given CPR on pitch- UNITED IN CARE Touching moment Finland fans give country’s flags to shield stricken Eriksen- ‘I LOVE YOU’ Watch Lukaku score for Belgium and dedicate goal to Inter team-mate Eriksen
      Eriksen’s club Inter Milan tweeted a message of support with a praying hands emoji.
      Denmark’s players stood round the midfielderCredit: EPA
      Many players were visibly upset
      The said: “Forza Chris, all of our thoughts are with you!”
      England cancelled their press conference previewing the eagerly-anticipated Euro 2020 clash against Croatia after Eriksen collapsed.
      The Three Lions kick off a tournament they hope to begin and end at Wembley on Sunday afternoon against the side that knocked them out at the semi-final stage of the World Cup three years ago.
      England manager Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane were due to preview the Group D contest at 6.30pm on Saturday, before the distressing events in Copenhagen began to filter through.
      Kane played with the 29-year-old for many years at Tottenham, where fellow England squad members Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier were also team-mates.
      Fans looked on in horror
      Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark react after midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitchCredit: AFP
      UEFA announced the game had been suspendedCredit: EPA
      A message displayed on the virtual link that had been due to host the pre-match press conference read: “In light of the awful events unfolding in Copenhagen, the FA have asked permission not to do their press conference scheduled at 19.30 CET. So the ENG press conference is cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.”
      The Football Association said in a statement: “Our thoughts this evening are with Christian Eriksen and his family, and all connected with the Danish Football Union.”
      Marcus Rashford sent a prayer emoji alongside one of a Danish flag on Twitter, while fellow England forward Raheem Sterling posted: “Thoughts and prayers go out to Christian Eriksen and his family.”
      Ben Chilwell posted the same and Declan Rice said he was “praying for @ChrisEriksen8”, with Jadon Sancho also expressing that sentiment.
      UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden was among those who posted online about the “awful scenes” witnessed at the match in Copenhagen.
      Former Spurs striker Gary Lineker, who was in the BBC studio for the match, tweeted: “Thank heavens. Some hope. Thoughts are with him and his family.”
      David Lammy, the Labour MP for Tottenham and shadow justice secretary, tweeted: “Prayers and thoughts for Danish and Spurs Legend Christian Eriksen.
      “We are all rooting for you brother.”
      Fans waited anxiously for newsCredit: AFP
      London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: “Deeply upsetting scenes in Copenhagen.
      “My thoughts right now are with Christian Eriksen, his family, and everyone in Denmark and around the world praying for his recovery.”
       FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote on the social media site: “Our thoughts and best wishes are with Chris Eriksen and his family.”
      Football fans have slammed the BBC for not cutting away after Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener with Finland.
      The former Spurs midfielder appeared to be receiving CPR as he was surrounded by his worried teammates – and the broadcaster continued filming.
      SNP MP Gavin Newlands tweeted: “Devastating scenes in Copenhagen. I’m sure we’re all sending our best wishes to Christian and his family. We have to hang on to hope.
      “(UEFA), the host broadcaster & the BBC should take a look at themselves. As soon as it was clear what had happened the camera’s should’ve cut away.”
      One viewer described the move as “unacceptable” while another said the BBC had “traumatised an entire nation”.

      Another tweeted: “I’m not sure why they didn’t stop the cameras & go straight to the studio as soon as they saw he was getting CPR.
      “I feel physically sick having watched this in real time. God I hope he’ll pull through. Only 29.”
      The BBC has apologised after complaints that it continued to broadcast as Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen received treatment during his country’s Euro 2020 game in Copenhagen, saying: “We apologise to anyone who was upset by the images broadcast. In-stadium coverage is controlled by Uefa as the host broadcaster, and as soon as the match was suspended, we took our coverage off air as quickly as possible.”
      BBC apologises after Euro 2020 fans slam them for not cutting away after Christian Eriksen collapsed on pitch More

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      Football world prays for Christian Eriksen after Denmark star given CPR on pitch after collapsing against Finland

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      FOOTBALL united in sending its overwhelming support to Christian Eriksen after the midfielder collapsed at Euro 2020.The Denmark star, 29, went to receive the ball from a throw-in during the first-half of Saturday’s game against Finland when he collapsed.
      Forza Chris, all of our thoughts are with you! 🙏— Inter 🏆🇮🇹 (@Inter_en) June 12, 2021

      All of our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his family. 🙏🏼 🤍— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 12, 2021

      Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian ♥️— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) June 12, 2021

      Medics quickly rushed on to treat the player, who was seen receiving CPR before televisions cameras panned away.
      The game was stopped and Eriksen taken off the pitch following lengthy treatment, leaving the entire sporting community and beyond praying for good news.
      A huge number took to Twitter to send their best wishes to the Inter Milan playmaker.
      The Serie A club’s account tweeted: “Come on Chris, our every thought is for you!”
      Former club Tottenham, where he spent six-and-a-half seasons, posted: “All our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his family.”
      And Eriksen’s first club, Ajax, wrote: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian.”
      Uefa confirmed within the hour that the player had ‘stabilised’ and been transferred to hospital.
      It was confirmed that Eriksen was awake and had asked his team to go back out and finish the game, which they agreed to do.

      Chris. I’m sending all my love to you and your family. Stay strong mate. 💙💙— Harry Kane (@HKane) June 12, 2021

      🇩🇰🙏🏾— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) June 12, 2021

      🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) June 12, 2021

      Goodness me, this looks truly awful.— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) June 12, 2021

      Our thoughts this evening are with Christian Eriksen and his family, and all connected with @DBUfodbold.— England (@England) June 12, 2021

      A Joel Pohjanpalo goal won the game for Finland with Denmark’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg missing a late penalty.
      Eriksen’s collapse brought back memories of Fabrice Muamba collapsing and suffering a cardiac arrest in a 2012 FA Cup quarter-final.
      The former Bolton midfielder, who has campaigned for better medical equipment to be available at football grounds, tweeted: “Please God.”
      A Uefa statement read: “The player has been transferred to the hospital and has been stabilised.”
      The Danish national team account announced: “Christian Eriksen is awake and his condition remains stable.
      “He remains hospitalised at Rigshospitalet for further examinations.

      This is heartbreaking to see. Also please stop sharing videos of Christian or his girlfriend and cut off the cameras.— Marten de Roon (@Dirono) June 12, 2021

      Thoughts and prayers go out to christian eriksen and his family praying everything is ok 🙏🏾— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) June 12, 2021

      Come on christian 🙏🏽❤️— Jermaine Jenas (@jjenas8) June 12, 2021

      Thought and prayers go out to Christian Eriksen and his family 🙏🏾🇩🇰— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) June 12, 2021

      “The match against Finland will be played tonight. This happens after the players have been confirmed that Christian is okay. The match resumes at 20.30.”
      Among the stars to send their best wishes were Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Jesse Lingard and clubs across the world.
      Didier Drogba tweeted: “Fight for your life Eriksen we pray for you.”
      Robbie Fowler wrote: “Thoughts with Christian Eriksen and everyone who witnessed that…Absolutely awful and shocking to see. Praying he makes it.”
      😪🙏🏻🇩🇰— Jason Victor Cundy (@jasoncundy05) June 12, 2021

      Keeping Christian Eriksen in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 12, 2021

      Huge credit goes to the paramedics/drs on hand… pressure with the whole world watching for such a long period of time (camera should’ve returned back to the studio) but never lost hope. #ChristianEriksen🙏🏾🖤— Garath McCleary (@gmccleary12) June 12, 2021

      Praying for Christian Eriksen💔🙏🏾.— Fikayo Tomori (@fikayotomori_) June 12, 2021

      Thoughts with Christian #Eriksen and everyone who witnessed that…Absolutely awful and shocking to see. Praying he makes it. 🙏🏼🙏🏼— Robbie Fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) June 12, 2021

      All our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Eriksen 🙏🇩🇰— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 12, 2021

      Christian Eriksen, the whole of football is with you.— Goal (@goal) June 12, 2021

      The thoughts of everyone at Leicester City Football Club are with Christian Eriksen and his family 🙏🇩🇰— Leicester City 🏆 (@LCFC) June 12, 2021

      The health and wellbeing of players has long been ignored. Shoving more and more games in more condensed periods will only lead to bigger health issues for players. Let hope the people in power will take notice at some point.— Asmir Begovic (@asmir1) June 12, 2021

      Danish and Finnish fans spontaneously chant for Christian Eriksen after he collapsed on pitch More

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      Harry Kane creates perfect footballer including Paul Pogba’s skill and Marco Reus’ free-kicks ahead of £150m transfer

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      HARRY KANE has designed his perfect footballer using the attributes of some of the biggest names in the sport.The Tottenham striker may be the source of England’s hope for the Euros but he is still envious of his fellow professionals.
      Harry Kane has listed the attributes he most admirers in five of his football peers
      What every Tottenham player earns following Mourinho’s pay rant
      And the attributes Kane has highlighted gives an insight into the strengths he wishes to add to his game.
      As quoted by respected Spanish newspaper AS, Kane shared the characteristics players would want to have, saying: “Pogba’s ability, Reus’s fantastic free-kicks, Saúl’s perfect driving, Piatek’s intuition and Donnarumma’s size.”
      Interestingly, Krzysztof Piatek is the only striker Kane references, and he was linked with a move to the Tottenham Stadium in January 2020.
      The Poland international scored seven goals in 32 games last season despite his so-called intuition, which shows 23-goal Kane is doing something the Pole is not.
      Kane’s devastating form has made him hot property in the transfer market, perhaps even more so than Paul Pogba and Gianluigi Donnarumma, two of the names he mentioned who could also change clubs this summer.
      Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been linked with the England captain this summer in a potential £150m move.
      SunSport revealed City were interested in a possible swap deal for Kane involving Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling.
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      But Daniel Levy will only entertain a cash-only offer for Kane, though he is keen for his number ten to see out the remainder of his three-year contract.
      Representatives of both Manchester clubs have reportedly spoken to Kane, however.
      And given Kane has expressed a desire to leave, Levy has a fight on his hands to keep his most prized possession.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England star Harry Kane will become playable Fortnite character as Euro 2020 kicks off this week More

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      Christian Eriksen rushed to hospital in ‘stable condition’ after collapsing during Denmark v Finland Euro 2020 match

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      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN is in a “stable” condition and “awake” in hospital after collapsing during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener with Finland.The former Spurs midfielder, 29, received CPR as he was surrounded by distraught team-mates after falling to the floor in yesterday’s match.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Eriksen’s worried team-mates look on as he receives treatmentCredit: Reuters
      Distraught Danish players formed a circle around Eriksen after he collapsedCredit: EPA
      The Group B match was restarted at 7.30pm (GMT) after being suspendedCredit: Reuters
      Medical staff raced onto the pitch to give emergency treatment to the Inter Milan ace as his team-mates formed a protective shield around him.
      Denmark’s captain Simon Kjaer was hailed as a “hero” after placing Eriksen in the recovery position while unconscious and giving CPR on his friend before medics arrived.
      Eriksen was seen conscious and sitting up on a stretcher while receiving oxygen as he was taken from the pitch just after 6pm.
      It was reported that he had a Facetime call with his Denmark team-mates and asked them to play the remainder of the match as “he feels better now”.
      Christian Eriksen latest:- EURO HORROR Eriksen rushed to hospital in ‘stable condition’ after collapsing on pitch- PLAY ON Christian Eriksen ‘FaceTimes Denmark team-mates from hospital’ and says play-on- BEEB FURY BBC apologises after fans slam them for not cutting away after Eriksen collapsed- ‘PLEASE GOD’ Football world prays for Eriksen after Dane collapses and given CPR on pitch- UNITED IN CARE Touching moment Finland fans give country’s flags to shield stricken Eriksen- ‘I LOVE YOU’ Watch Lukaku score for Belgium and dedicate goal to Inter team-mate Eriksen
      The shocking scenes happened towards the end of the first half of the teams’ opening Group B match, with Eriksen receiving 13 minutes of medical treatment.
      Following the distressing incident the match was abandoned, but was restarted at 7.30PM (GMT), with Finland winning 1-0.
      Danish football association the DBU confirmed that Eriksen is “awake” and “stable” in hospital and awaiting further medical examinations.
      A DBU spokesman tweeted: “The match against Finland will be played tonight.
      “This happens after the players have been confirmed that Christian is okay. The match resumes at 20.30 (CET).”
      Eriksen’s agent Martin Schoots told radio station NPO Radio 1 that the Danish talisman “breathes and can speak. He is out of danger.”
      A UEFA Euro 2020 spokesman tweeted earlier that Eriksen had been transferred to hospital and “has been stabilised”.
      Eriksen is now ‘stable’ and ‘awake’ in hospital, it is reportedCredit: Reuters
      Fans looked on in horror after the former Spurs ace collapsedCredit: AFP
      Shocked Danish players held their head in their hands as medics attended to their team-mate
      Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand waits anxiously for news on his star playerCredit: Reuters
      Supporters in the 16,000 crows looked on in horrorCredit: AFP
      UEFA announced that the match would be suspendedCredit: AP
      Fans of both teams were heard chanting Eriksen’s nameCredit: AFP
      The spokesman tweeted: “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.”
      England captain Harry Kane, who is close friends with former Spurs team-mate Eriksen, tweeted: “Chris. I’m sending all my love to you and your family. Stay strong mate.”
      UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin wished Eriksen a “full and speedy recovery”.
      In a statement, the football chief said: “Moments like this put everything in life into perspective.  
      “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.”
      Moments like this put everything in life into perspectiveUEFA president Aleksander Čeferin
      Denmark and Finland fans among the 16,000 crowd at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium chanted Eriksen’s name together before the match resumed.
      Eriksen collapsed just before half-time as team-mate Joakim Maehle threw the ball to him.
      English referee Anthony Taylor signalled immediately for medical staff to come onto the pitch after Eriksen collapsed.
      Martin Braithwaite and Thomas Delaney then raced towards their team-mate, as Delaney gestured frantically for emergency medical help.
      Eriksen’s distraught colleagues were left in tears as they looked in anxiously.
      Shocked supporters watched in horror as Danish physios tended to the ex-Spurs star.
      Eriksen was seen being stretchered from the pitch while conscious after emergency paramedics arrived.
      PRAYERS FOR DANISH ACE
      The midfielder’s wife, Sabrina Kvist Jensen, was seen in tears and being consoled by Danish players after she rushed down to the pitch.
      UEFA announced the match was suspended due to a “medical emergency”.
      BBC coverage of the game ended after the distressing scenes were shown to viewers across the country.
      But viewers reacted with anger after the coverage didn’t cut away once Eriksen fell to the floor.
      A BBC spokesman apologised for broadcasting the upsetting footage.
      The spokesman said: “We apologise to anyone who was upset by the images broadcast.
      “In-stadium coverage is controlled by Uefa as the host broadcaster, and as soon as the match was suspended, we took our coverage off air as quickly as possible.”
      England skipper Harry Kane has sent a message sending ‘all my love’ to his close pal EriksenCredit: Getty
      The match was later restartedCredit: AFP

      UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin wished Eriksen a ‘full recovery’Credit: Twitter
      He hailed the ‘unity of the footbally family’Credit: Twitter
      Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle was among those who sent messages of supportCredit: Twitter
      Both teams left the field with officials holding up sheets to hide Eriksen from view.
      The stadium announcer told fans that the game had been suspended due to a medical emergency and told fans to stay in their seats.
      There has been an outpouring of messages from wellwishers for Eriksen following yesterday evening’s distressing images.
      Marcus Rashford tweeted a prayer and a Danish flag emoji.
      ‘THANK GOD’
      Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle, who underwent eight minutes of CPR from hero Simon Daniels after suffering a heart attack in 2018, tweeted: “Thank God Christian is ok.
      “And to those who did the CPR, it’s simple you saved his life as I know so well.
      “God bless you Simon D. for what you did for me loving every minute of my Extra Time ! Stay strong Christian.”
      A Spurs spokesman tweeted: “All of our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his family.”
      Eriksen’s club, Inter Milan, tweeted: “Forza Chris, all of our thoughts are with you.”

      Fabrice Muamba, the former Bolton midfielder who collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest during a televised FA Cup game in 2012, tweeted “Please God” following the incident.
      Piers Morgan tweeted: “Hope & pray he’s OK.”
      Former Spurs striker Gary Lineker, who was in the BBC studio for the match, tweeted: “Thank heavens. Some hope. Thoughts are with him and his family.”
      Denmark’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel applauds as he returns to the pitch to resume the matchCredit: AP
      The supporters in Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium looked on in horror after their star player fell down on the pitch

      The Danish FA later said Eriksen was awake in hospital
      Denmark head coach gets emotional at post-match press conference after Christian Eriksen collapsed More

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      Who is Belgium vs Russia referee Mateu Lahoz and how many international tournaments has he officiated at?

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      BELGIUM and Russia will be in the capable hands of referee Mateu Lahoz when their European Championship gets underway in St Petersburg.The experienced official took charge of the Champions League final in May so will be well drilled ahead of the Euros.
      Mateu Lahoz brushing away Man City players’ complaints in the Champions League finalCredit: Reuters
      Who is Antonio Mateu Lahoz?
      One of the games most eccentric and entertaining refs, Lahoz often rocks up to stadiums wearing rock-star sunglasses and a beaming grin.
      Active since 1999, the Spaniard became Fifa-listed in 2011 and took charge of the World Cup 2014 qualifying games.
      He’s a regular fixture in La Liga and has been accused in the past of favouring Real Madrid by some fans.
      Lahoz has been a referee since 1999Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Lahoz is also famous for handing out yellow cards for the slightest of confrontations while ignoring potentially dangerous challenges.
      A bizarre showing in Italy’s World Cup qualifier defeat to Sweden saw him blasted on the internet, with one viewer ranting: “The referee in the game is far too bothered about being the centre of attention.”
      Giving an insight into his style, Lahoz revealed: “For me, reading what is being said in the media in the lead up to a game is fundamental.
      “I want to know how every player comes into the game, if there is pressure, if they have been accused of diving, how many bookings they have. I spend hours reading, watching videos and making notes on my next game.”Has he officiated at the European Championship before?
      Mateu Lahoz has refereed two World Cup matches – Denmark vs Australia and Croatia vs Iceland in 2018.
      However, he has never refereed at a European Championship. More

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      Why do some England fans boo taking the knee?

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      ENGLAND enter Euro 2020 with tensions between the players and some fans rumbling on over the taking of the knee.The Three Lions have stated that they will perform the gesture throughout the tournament, though a section of supporters have made their disapproval known by booing it before games.
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      England have been booed by a section of their supporters while taking the kneeCredit: AFP
      In England’s warm-up matches against both Austria and Romania, a mix of boos and applause for the gesture was heard.
      Why do England take the knee?
      England, like all Premier League clubs over the past season, state that they take the knee in support of racial equality.
      Rejecting the idea that it is a political gesture, Gareth Southgate said: “I think we have got a situation where some people seem to think it is a political stand that they don’t agree with.
      “That is not the reason the players are doing it. We are supporting each other.

      “So, I was pleased that was drowned out by the majority of the crowd, but we can’t deny the fact that it happened.
      “I think the most important thing for our players to know is that all their team-mates, all the staff, are fully supportive.
      “I think the majority of people understand it.
      “I think some people aren’t quite understanding the message, and I suppose we are seeing that across a number of football grounds at the moment.”
      And Jordan Henderson said: “I think it shows that, if there’s still people booing because we’re standing together against racism, then there really still is a problem and we’ve still got to fight it and stand together on that.
      “It shows even more that we have to keep going, keep fighting it. From our side, it’s about being together and doing what we think is right – and that’s what we feel is right.”
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020
      Gareth Southgate insists there is no political message behind England’s decision to kneelCredit: AP
      Jordan Henderson has insisted that the booing makes the team more determined to kneelCredit: AFP
      Why do some England fans boo the knee?
      Sadly it is likely that some England fans are booing the idea of racial equality itself, though none are known to have openly said this.
      The most common complaints from supporters revolve around the perception of it being a political gesture, the players “lecturing” them and a perceived association with the Black Lives Matter movement.
      Andrew, a fan from Lincoln who booed, told BBC Radio 1: “Booing is a way football fans can communicate dissatisfaction.
      He added that he sees the knee as “an identity politics agenda that focuses on black people and skin colour, when as far as I am concerned we are all England fans regardless of colour.”
      And he finished: “Some seem to genuinely believe booing is an act of racism – I reject that.”
      A twitter user who supported the booing stated: “If I want to watch politics, I’d switch on Westminster Live.”
      Reasons such as opposition to Black Lives Matter or keeping politics out of football have been given by England fans who booCredit: Getty
      The Free Speech Union, who represented a Cambridge United fan who was banned until he could satisfy the club he wasn’t a racist, provided the following explanation for his actions.
      “In the case of our member, he didn’t boo because he disapproves of BLM, but because he wants to keep politics out of football.
      “Why shouldn’t he be allowed to express that view, provided he does so in a lawful and peaceful way?
      “We take no view on the politics of BLM – we would be taking our member’s side if he’d been punished for applauding the players’ gesture or roaring his approval.”
      How did taking the knee start?
      Kneeling throughout history has been a gesture of prayer and Reverend Martin Luther King led civil rights protesters to take the knee in prayer in 1965.
      However, the knee as a gesture in sport was started by NFL player Colin Kaepernick in 2015.
      The then-49ers quarterback began the protest by sitting down during the US national anthem.
      He stated of the gesture: “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.
      “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.
      “There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
      Taking the knee in sport was popularised by Colin KaepernickCredit: EPA
      However, after Kaepernick sat down, a former US Green Beret – Nate Boyer – wrote him a personal letter explaining that while he supported the cause he was protesting for, he was disappointed that he had chosen to express his views in the way he did.
      After that, Kaepernick decided to meet up with Boyer and they agreed that rather than sitting, Kaepernick would kneel for the anthem.
      That gesture, they perceived, was a more respectful one as it is typically used as to honour fallen members of the armed forces.
      Do footballers take the knee for Black Lives Matter?
      Though supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement do take the knee, footballers have stated that they are not kneeling for this reason.
      The knee in English football was adopted after the murder of African-American George Floyd by white police officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020.
      At the time, the Premier League and its clubs explicitly did support Black Lives Matter, with the organisation’s logo sewn onto every player’s shirt.
      However, after a statue of Winston Churchill was vandalised by BLM protesters in London and the BLM UK Twitter account criticised the state of Israel, the Premier League moved to distance itself from the cause.
      The Black Lives Matter logo was stitched onto all Premier League shirts in 2019/20 but scrapped before the start of 2020/21Credit: Reuters
      Arsenal are one of the clubs who still show the Black Lives Matter logo in their stadiumCredit: Reuters
      The Black Lives Matter U.K. account tweeted: “As Israel moves forward with the annexation of the West Bank, and mainstream British politics is gagged of the right to critique Zionism, and Israel’s settler colonial pursuits, we loudly and clearly stand beside our Palestinian comrades.
      “Free Palestine.”
      When the 2020/21 season started, English football clubs agreed that rather than kneeling in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, they would kneel in support of a new No Room For Racism campaign.
      However, a number of clubs continued to display the Black Lives Matter logo prominently in their stadiums throughout the season.
      What is the FA’s view on taking the knee?
      FA Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Director Edleen John stated that the FA supports the players’ right to protest in support of racial equality.
      She added: “When you’re booing players taking a knee, you are booing the right of those individuals to have a voice and to protest against inequality.”
      The FA has not given a view on whether it supports action being taken against fans who boo the knee.
      However, unlike overt racist abuse, booing the knee is not thought to be a criminal offence.
      “When you’re booing players taking a knee, you are booing the right of those individuals to have a voice and to protest against inequality.”FA Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Director Edleen John explains the FA’s stance on taking a knee in English football. pic.twitter.com/EZubJ3Kj9d— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 25, 2021

      What has the global reaction to the knee been?
      Most national teams do not generally take the knee in their matches, but do if they are playing against England, Wales or Ireland.
      (Scotland have been taking the knee but chose to stop in March and Steve Clarke has stated that they have yet to make a decision on kneeling in Euro 2020.)
      However, this is not always the case, with Czech Republic refusing to kneel against Wales and Poland doing likewise against England.
      Both teams chose instead to perform the “apolitical” anti-racism gesture of pointing to the Uefa Respect logo on the sleeves of their shirts.
      Poland are one of the teams who have chosen not to take the kneeCredit: Getty
      Two Romania players chose not to kneel against EnglandCredit: Ian Hodgson – The Daily Mail
      When England played Romania, two Romanian players chose not to kneel.
      Nicolae Stanciu stated that he had refused to kneel in support of Slavia Prague team-mate Ondrej Kudela, who received a ten-game ban from Uefa for racially abusing Rangers’ Glen Kamara.
      The other player, Ionut Nedelcearu wrote on Instagram that he “did not feel that I should do it out of a simple obligation.
      He added: “My view and attitude towards life is that the messages that we as members of the society should send against racism should be much clearer and should concern all the manifestations of racism that we experience in our daily lives.
      “From my standpoint it is rather hypocritical to believe that we fulfill our duty against racism simply by obeying an order to kneel!”
      In Hungary’s Euro 2020 warm-up with Ireland meanwhile, the Hungarian team chose not to take the knee while the Irish did and were roundly booed by the 15,000 crowd.
      The Republic of Ireland’s players were booed and jeered by some Hungary fans as they took a knee before kick-off in their friendly in Budapest. pic.twitter.com/15npHfKZcE— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 8, 2021 More