Denmarks's Euro 2020 opening match against Finland came to an alarming pause after Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field at the 42nd minute of the game.
The ensuing scenes displayed some of the most emotional moments in sports.
Denmark's captain Simon Kjaer rushed to Eriksen's aide to ensure his teammate was in a safe position as the medical personnel approached. He then signaled for the rest of his teammates to form a human ring around Eriksen.
This will go down as one of the most iconic pictures in the world of sport.
Credit to every one of the Denmark players, protecting their friend's privacy and dignity, they are a credit to their country, teammate #christianeriksen and more importantly themselves. 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/BxabvrZzcl
— The Game Caller 🗣🎙📻 (@TheGameCaller) June 12, 2021
Former NBA star and current FC Barcelona center Pau Gasol took to Twitter to express his concern and send prayers to Christian Eriksen.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Christian Eriksen. Get well soon!”
It was indeed a shocking turn of events in front of more than 16,000 fans in attendance. But amidst the situation, Kjaer's heroic acts and the endearing gesture from those watching can't help but restore everyone's faith in humanity.
When Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch, Kjær was first to help him and summon the medical team to quickly get onto the pitch. After, he guided his teammates to cover Eriksen while he received medical treatment and consoled Eriksen's wife Sabrina.
Nothing but respect. ❤️🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/MbIkDaucgL
— Football Factly (@FootballFactly) June 12, 2021
Danish and Finnish fans chanting "Christian Eriksen" together 🙏
(via @JonasHoyBruun)pic.twitter.com/w7TvUv7PAv
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 12, 2021
The game was halted for one hour and 45 minutes as Finland finished with a 1-0 victory over Denmark. Joel Pohjanpalo's goal was momentous for his team as it marked the first for Finland in a major tournament. But, in a classy manner, he found no reason to celebrate considering what took place beforehand.
UEFA released a statement on Eriksen's status:
“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.”
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