THE Duke of Cambridge has welcomed the “encouraging news about Christian Eriksen”, adding “we are all thinking about him and his family”.Denmark’s midfielder collapsed during their opening Euro 2020 game against Finland and received CPR on the pitch.
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Prince William has expressed his concern for the wellbeing of Christian EriksenCredit: AP
Denmark’s players stood round the midfielderCredit: EPA
Prince William sent out a heartfelt message to Christian Eriksen and his family
Prince William, 38, is a huge Aston Villa supporter and keen football fan as well as president of the FA.
He said in a Twitter message: “Encouraging news about Christian Eriksen, we are all thinking about him and his family.
“Well done to the medical team and Anthony Taylor for their calm and swift action.”
Eriksen’s team mates stood round the player as he received medical attention on the pitchCredit: EPA
Eriksen’s team mates were clearly upsetCredit: Reuters
Eriksen had just played a short pass towards the end of the first half in his side’s opening game against Finland in the Euro 2020 tournament when he fell face-forward onto the ground.
His teammates immediately gestured for help and medics rushed onto the field.
Medical staff ran onto the pitch 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.
The midfielder’s wife, Sabrina Kvist Jensen, was seen in tears and being consoled by Danish players after she rushed down to the pitch.
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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.
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”.
Fans waited anxiously for newsCredit: AFP
Shocked fans watched as Eriksen was taken off the pitch by medicsCredit: Getty – Pool
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.”
Prince William’s sentiments added to the growing shock from the footballing world as well as politicians and celebrities.
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.
Many players were visibly upset
Finland’s players were clearly concerned about Eriksen’s health
UEFA confirmed Eriksen had been rushed to hospital for treatmentCredit: Twitter
Many fans in the stadium looked on in disbelief at the distressing scenesCredit: AFP
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.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote on the social media site: “Our thoughts and best wishes are with Chris Eriksen and his family.”
The BBC was forced to issue and apology as fans were outraged the broadcaster did not cut away after Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener with Finland but continued filming.
The BBC 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.”
Danish and Finnish fans spontaneously chant for Christian Eriksen after he collapsed on pitch More
