Christian Erikson collapses on field. Here is what the team doctor said

Denmark’s Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field in a Euro 2020 game against Finland on Saturday. He was revived by the medics on the pitch. The game was briefly suspended. Finland’s football board soon informed that the player was transferred to the hospital and was awake and undergoing further tests. 

Erikson had received CPR as his distraught teammates formed a circle around him to shield the player from the view of 16,000 stunned spectators in Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium.

Also read: Watch | Finns roar ‘Christian’, Danes reply ‘Eriksen’ after midfielder collapses onfield

While the reason for Erikson’s collapse is unknown, Denmark’s team doctor described his first-hand experience of seeing the Inter Milan midfielder lying unconscious. 

“We were called on the pitch when Christian fell down, I didn’t see myself but it was pretty clear he was unconscious,” doctor Martin Boesen told a post-match media conference.

“When I get to him, he’s on his side. He is breathing and I can see pulse but suddenly that changes, and as everyone saw we started giving him CPR. The help came really, really fast from the medical team and the rest of the staff, and with their cooperation, we did what we did to do. We managed to get Christan back,” he added. 

Also read: Euro 2020: Outpour of prayers after Christian Eriksen collapses on field

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand heaped praise on his team after they returned to the field to complete the match after many were visibly distraught at Eriksen’s plight.

Denmark eventually lost their opening Group B game 1-0.

“Everyone agreed to play, and what we tried to do was incredible. We have a group of players I can’t praise enough. I couldn’t be prouder of these people who take such good care of each other. They decide first of all not to do anything until we were sure that Christian was conscious, and that everything was OK,” Hjulmand continued. 

Also read: I dedicate this to Eriksen: Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku on his Euro goals

“So we had two options, either finish the game tonight or play tomorrow at midday. Everyone agreed on playing today… The fact that the players tried to play the second and dominate… I’m very affected.

“All our thoughts and prayers are to Christian and his family right now. He’s one of the best players there is and he’s an even better person,” the Denmark coach added.