Christian Eriksen, footballs wake up call

During Denmark's EURO 2020 opener against Finland, in Kopenhagen, Christian Eriksen dropped to the floor, while chasing down the ball. Credit to the referee who halted the game just two seconds after Erikson's drop, and decided the paramedics and medical staff should enter the frame just 5 seconds later

The traumatic incident was broadcast live on the BBC, and the images shown by the broadcasting corporation infuriated many viewers across the UK. The footage shown by the TV giants was deemed insensitive and somewhat disrespectful to Eriksen and everyone around him.

Although the incident was obviously horrific, it showed a side to football that gets very little time in the limelight. The whole football community, fans, players, clubs, companies and just about everybody in the footballing universe came together to pray for the wellbeing of the Dane. On Saturday night, Eriksen was in everyone's prayers, with everyone wishing him the best, hoping for the best news possible, that he was surviving, that he was battling and fighting for his life.

Both teams in the fixture took to the pitch again just 90 minutes after play was halted. Reportedly, play was continued upon the request of the players, but, although the Danish players left it all on the pitch, it was clear the players were so emotionally drained. Understandably so, given the evening's events.

Many of the Danish players showed exceptional character on the pitch, not just throughout the 90 minutes, but throughout the period of distress and concern in the Danish capital. Kasper Schmicel was most definitely one of those players that showed his amazing character, condoling Eriksens wife, as well as leading the wall of players that surrounded the player, while he received treatment from the medical team.

Another Dane who deserves all the plaudits he gets, and that is the captain Simon Kjaer who immediately raced to the incident scene and managed to help clear Ericksen's airways, as well as also condoling his wife, upon her arrival to pitch side.

Although the events were so upsetting, it was a real wake up call for the world of football, showing that football is indeed a game, showing the world that some things are so much more than just football. People's lives are so much more valuable than a game, and ultimately, a job.

During the events of the evening, while the world was in shock and disbelief, the outstanding medical team saved a man's life, and they deserve to be recognised as the heroes they are. Quite literally life savers. Football received it's wake up call.

The thoughts of everyone across the footballing world are with Christian Eriksen and his family. Keep fighting, Danish magician.