Danish soccer star Christian Eriksen collapses during match

Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen collapsed in the middle of a Euro 2020 match on Saturday against Finland.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) tweeted that the match had been postponed due to the medical emergency and that Eriksen had been taken to the hospital, where he was stabilized. 

“Following the medical emergency involving Denmark’s player Christian Eriksen, a crisis meeting has taken place with both teams and match officials,” UEFA tweeted.

UEFA later said the game would be postponed until 8:30 p.m. CET (2:30 p.m. EDT) at the request of players from both teams.

During the game, Eriksen was having difficulty walking as he moved toward the sideline, ESPN reported. He collapsed after a ball hit him just before halftime.

His teammates rushed over to help, and ESPN reported that within 10 minutes of the incident, Eriksen received CPR.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted that Eriksen had a FaceTime call with his team while he was in the hospital and wanted them to play their match Saturday night.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin wished Eriksen a quick recovery in a statement.

“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,” Čeferin said. 

One soccer player already dedicated a goal of his to Eriksen. Belgian soccer player Romelu Lukaku scored a goal in a match against Russia and immediately ran toward the camera, saying, “Chris, I love you.”

“Chris, Chris… I love you!” 

Romelu Lukaku gives #BEL an early lead over #RUS – before delivering a message of love for club team-mate Christian Eriksen #ITVFootball | #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/AJsMrQloyu

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 12, 2021

Updated: 3:40 p.m.