The BBC has issued an apology following complaints that it continued to broadcast as Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen received CPR during his country’s Euro 2020 game against Finland.
The 29-year-old collapsed on the pitch during the first-half of the match in Copenhagen.
Referee Anthony Taylor called medical staff onto the field and prolonged CPR was administered as Eriksen's teammates formed a wall around him.
The BBC continued to broadcast the distressing scene from the Parken Stadium while also showing the midfielder's wife on the sidelines.
As Eriksen was carried off the pitch and the players followed, the broadcast then cut to the studio.
But many have criticised the BBC for showing the images for too long, and the broadcaster has issued an apology stating that it was out of their control.
In a statement, the BBC said: "We apologise to anyone who was upset by the images broadcast.
"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."
Gary Lineker added to the BBC's statement by saying: "Everyone at the BBC is hoping that Christian makes a full recovery of course and we apologise to anyone who was upset by the images broadcast.
"The 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."
Pundit Ian Wright was among those to voice their shock over the coverage.
He tweeted: "CUT TO THE STUDIO FFS!!!!"
Former professional boxer Frank Bruno said: "Christian Eriksen This is not good for the viewing public just go back to the studio just think of who is watching come on BBC."
SNP MP Gavin Newlands tweeted: “Devastating scenes in Copenhagen. I’m sure we’re all sending our best wishes to Christian and his family. We have to hang on to hope.
“(UEFA), the host broadcaster & the BBC should take a look at themselves. As soon as it was clear what had happened the camera’s should’ve cut away.”
It has since been confirmed that Eriksen is in hospital in a stable condition and the game has now resumed at the request of both sets of players.
England manager Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane were due to hold a press conference ahead of the Three Lions' match against Croatia on Sunday but that has been cancelled.
The FA said in a statement: "Our thoughts this evening are with Christian Eriksen and his family, and all connected with the Danish Football Union."
