Denmark international Simon Kjaer could well have helped save the life of teammate Christian Eriksen.
With no one near him, 29-year-old Eriksen collapsed towards the end of the first half of Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener with Finland.
Simon Kjaer with the Eriksen family 😢♥️#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/nwFe0hkZni
— موسى (@MousaQi) June 12, 2021
In deeply distressing scenes, Denmark captain Kjaer secured Eriksen’s neck, cleared his airwaves and administered CPR to the Inter Milan midfielder before medics arrived on the scene.
AC Milan defender Kjaer and Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel were then seen consoling Eriksen’s wife, Sabrina, while the Denmark players formed a barrier around the player.
The Danish Football Association have since confirmed that Eriksen is now “awake” in hospital and awaiting further tests.
Something that needs mentioning:
Those medics are absolute heroes. It must have been horrific to deal with that.
But also Simon Kjaer, I believe. Before the medics got there he secured his neck, cleared the airways and started CPR. Could have saved Eriksen’s life. Hero.
— • Phil • (@Phillyconcarne) June 12, 2021
A statement read: “Christian Eriksen is awake and his condition remains stable. He remains hospitalized at Rigshospitalet for further examinations. The match against Finland will be played tonight. This happens after the players have been confirmed that Christian is okay. The match resumes at 20:30.”
Simon Kjaer. What a man. What a leader. What an act of heroism. 🇩🇰🙏 pic.twitter.com/tKWLmwQ3LI
— EUROs Tweet (@Football__Tweet) June 12, 2021
Following the request made by players of both teams, UEFA has agreed to restart the match between Denmark and Finland tonight at 20:30 CET (TBC).
The last four minutes of the first half will be played, there will then be a 5-minute half-time break followed by the second half.
— UEFA (@UEFA) June 12, 2021
🇫🇮 Finland fans: “Christian”
🇩🇰 Denmark fans: “Eriksen”Fans still inside the stadium are chanting @ChrisEriksen8’s name together. 🙏
pic.twitter.com/djUgg4pS1Q— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 12, 2021
Simon Kjær for being the first person to initiate CPR.
Kasper Schmeichel for going to console Christian’s wife.
The team for forming a human wall around Eriksen.
Anthony Taylor for stopping the game so quickly
The medics for doing such an incredible job
Thank you. 🇩🇰
— Jed (@SFCJed23) June 12, 2021