Scotland's Euro 2024 match against Hungary took a dramatic and worrying turn when Hungarian striker Barnabas Varga suffered a serious injury. The game was paused for over ten minutes as Varga received medical attention on the field.

The incident occurred when Varga, 29, collided with Scotland's goalkeeper, Angus Gunn, while attempting to attack a free kick. Varga appeared to take an elbow to the face and crashed to the ground, lying motionless. The referee immediately stopped the game, and Varga's teammates quickly put him in the recovery position.

Medical staff rushed onto the pitch to help Varga, surrounding him with sheets to provide privacy as they attended to him. Several players, including Hungary's captain and Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai, were seen in tears. Szoboszlai even sprinted off the pitch to hurry the stretcher bearers onto the field. After a 10-minute delay, Varga was carried off the pitch to applause from both sets of fans.

Viewers on television saw a replay of the incident, which led to criticism as it violated UEFA protocol. The BBC apologized for airing the clip, explaining that they used the local TV feed and had limited control over the footage. Host Gabby Logan expressed their shock at the replay being shown and assured viewers that they cut away to a wide-angle shot as soon as possible.

Barnabas Varga's condition and Scotland's defeat

As the game resumed, social media clips showed Varga being taken away in an ambulance. Reports soon suggested that he was conscious and communicating with paramedics. The BBC later confirmed that Varga was in stable condition at a Stuttgart hospital. Hungarian head coach Marco Rossi revealed after the match that Varga would undergo surgery for a facial fracture and would be out for the rest of Euro 2024.

Rossi stated, “Barnabas Varga's life is not in danger. He will undergo an operation for a fracture in his face and won't be available for the rest of Euro 2024.”

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin defended Angus Gunn, saying the goalkeeper had every right to go for the ball. Nevin told BBC 5 Live, “If a keeper comes out and doesn't get the ball but takes a player, it is a foul. I think Angus Gunn got some of the ball there.”

When asked about the incident after the game, Gunn admitted, “That was a bit of a blur. I had to come out and thought I did well. It was a bit painful. Hopefully, the guy is alright.”

Hungary's Kevin Csoboth scored in the 100th minute after a lightning counterattack, sending Scotland out of the tournament. The Hungarian team celebrated by holding up Varga's shirt in tribute. They now face an anxious wait to see if their three points will be enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Scotland fought hard during the extended added time but could not score, resulting in their elimination from Euro 2024. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, the Scottish team showed resilience and determination throughout the match. Fans and players alike will undoubtedly be disappointed with the outcome, but the safety and recovery of Barnabas Varga remain a priority for everyone involved.

The match will be remembered not just for the dramatic late goal but also for the sportsmanship and concern shown by both teams during Varga's injury. Football, while fiercely competitive, often brings out moments of solidarity and humanity that transcend the sport itself. As Scotland exits the tournament, they do so with their heads held high, having competed bravely and with spirit.

The incident has also sparked discussions about player safety and the protocols in place for dealing with serious injuries on the pitch. Ensuring the well-being of players is paramount, and this match served as a reminder of the risks involved in the game. As Barnabas Varga begins his recovery, the football community rallies around him, wishing him a swift and complete return to health.

Scotland will look to the future, building on their experiences in Euro 2024, and aiming for greater success in the tournaments to come.