UEFA has responded to criticism over the continued coverage of Christian Eriksen after the footballer’s collapse at Euro 2020, saying that ‘every broadcaster had the possibility to cut back to their studio’ amid the BBC’s apology.
On Saturday during Denmark’s match against Finland, Danish football player Eriksen collapsed on the pitch, receiving immediate medical attention. As the 29-year-old was transferred to hospital, it was confirmed that his condition had been ‘stabilised’.
Viewers were left distressed as cameras continued to show shots of the former Tottenham Hotspur player on the ground as his teammates formed a wall around him, in addition to showing his girlfriend rushing onto the pitch.
In a statement, the BBC apologised ‘to anyone who was upset by the images broadcast’, with the firm stating: ‘In stadium coverage is controlled by UEFA as the host broadcaster, and as soon as the match was suspended, we took our coverage off air as quickly as possible.’
When contacted for comment by Metro.co.uk, a spokesperson for UEFA stated that ‘every broadcaster had the possibility to cut back to their studio and many of them did so’.
The Union of European Football Associations added: ‘It was therefore their editorial choice to stay with live images or not.’ Metro.co.uk has contacted the BBC for further comment.
In the BBC’s statement, the broadcaster said that everyone at the organisation ‘is hoping Christian Eriksen makes a full recovery’.
When it was confirmed that the postponed Denmark vs Finland match was set to resume that evening, pundit Gary Lineker tweeted: ‘I understand some of you would have been upset with some of the images shown (we were too).
‘Obviously these were the host pictures and out of our control. They should have stayed on a wide of the stadium. Apologies.’
Former Football Focus presenter Dan Walker praised Eriksen’s Danish teammates for forming a protective barrier around him while he was receiving medical treatment on the pitch.
‘His Danish team mates deserve the highest praise and respect,’ he tweeted.
‘They demanded immediate medical help, screened him from the cameras, preserved his dignity and consoled his family. Inspiring.’
When the cameras cut back to the BBC studio after Eriksen’s collapse, presenter Alex Scott was tearful as she revealed that she had just messaged her mum to tell her that she loves her.
‘Like you said Gary, I think football totally goes out the window right now. You’re thinking about his family and the rest of his players out there witnessing it as well,’ she said.
‘Actually just got on my phone and told my mum that I love her. It’s a reminder of how quickly life can change just like that.’
According to the Danish FA, Eriksen has ‘sent greetings to his teammates’ and ‘his condition is stable’ as ‘he continues to be hospitalised for further examination’.
‘The team and staff of the national team has received crisis assistance and will continue to be there for each other after yesterday’s incident,’ the organisation added.
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