Denmark’s coach Kasper Hjulmand has expanded on his criticism of UEFA after his side returned to face Finland just two hours after Christian Eriksen had suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.
Eriksen collapsed in the 40th minute of the game, requiring CPR and defibrillation on the field before being taken to hospital.
Once it was confirmed the 29-year-old was in a stable condition, UEFA confirmed the game would resume at 20:30 local time. Denmark would go on to lose the game 1-0.
Speaking afterwards, Hjulmand said that completing the game that evening was the wrong decision, and he has since questioned UEFA further over their handling of the situation.
“Good leadership can sometimes be to lead with compassion”
”The only real leadership would have been to put the players on a bus and send them home. And then deal with it after,” Hjulmand said in a press conference on Tuesday.
”With corona cases it’s possible to postpone a game for 48 hours. But with cardiac arrest, apparently it’s not. And I think that’s wrong. You don’t necessarily find good leadership in the protocols. Good leadership can sometimes be to lead with compassion.”
UEFA responded to initial criticism after Peter Schmeichel revealed that the Danish national side had been given three options in regards to the game’s completion, one of which was a 3-0 forfeit. The organisation cited ‘player rest’ as the reason.
They stated: “The players’ need for 48 hours rest between matches eliminated other options.
“UEFA is sure it treated the matter with utmost respect for the sensitive situation and for the players.”
Eriksen shares update
Earlier on Tuesday, Eriksen shared an update from hospital, thanking fans for their well-wishes.
“I’m fine – under the circumstances. I still have to go through some examinations at the hospital, but I feel okay.” He wrote on Instagram.
“Now, I will cheer on the boys on the Denmark team in the next matches.
“Play for all Denmark.”
Denmark are due to face Belgium in their second game of Euro 2020 on Thursday.
Featured image credit: Getty
