Politicians and celebrities have shared messages of support for the family of Denmark footballer Christian Eriksen after the player collapsed on the pitch during his country’s Euro 2020 game against Finland.
Many posted online about the “awful scenes” witnessed at the match in Copenhagen, as Eriksen’s teammates surrounded him to protect his privacy.
The midfielder dropped to the ground at the Parken Stadium shortly before half-time, leaving players from both teams in clear distress.
UEFA later said the former Tottenham player had been transferred to hospital and stabilised.
It said the match would be restarted on Saturday evening “following the request made by players of both teams”.
Denmark tweeted an update which read: “Christian Eriksen is awake and is (set) for further examinations at Rigshospitalet (hospital).”
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.”
Thank heavens. Some hope. Thoughts are with him and his family. https://t.co/edGG2LFex7
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) June 12, 2021
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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.
Other players posting similar tweets for the Denmark midfielder included former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher and Manchester United’s former right-back Gary Neville as well as current England and Aston Villa forward Jack Grealish.
President Čeferin: “…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.” 2/2
Advertisement— UEFA (@UEFA) June 12, 2021
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin paid tribute to the footballer, saying Eriksen played the game "beautifully".
“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," he said in a tweet.
“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.”
Forza Chris, all of our thoughts are with you! 🙏
— Inter (@Inter_en) June 12, 2021
Eriksen's club Inter Milan also tweeted a message of support with a praying hands emoji. It said: “Forza Chris, all of our thoughts are with you!”
The player's former club, Tottenham, tweeted: “All of our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his family.”
Eriksen left Tottenham for Inter Milan in 2020 after seven years with the club.
Eriksen ♥️♥️♥️♥️ please 🙏🏻♥️
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) June 12, 2021
David Lammy, the UK's 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.”
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.”
