Denmark captain Simon Kjaer has been hailed as a “hero” for his role in helping stabilise team-mate Christian Eriksen after he collapsed to the ground.
The playmaker fell without anyone around during Denmark's Euro 2020 opener against Finland in Copenhagen.
Kjaer ran towards him, stabilised him on his back, cleared his airways and started CPR before medics arrived.
Doctors were quickly on the pitch and continued to perform CPR on Eriksen before he was carried off on a stretcher.
It has been confirmed that Eriksen is awake and stable in hospital with Martin Schoots, Eriksen's agent, being told by the player's father that he "breathes and can speak. He's awake".
Former Wrexham and Sunderland player Neil Wainwright was quick to highlight Kjaer's role.
He tweeted: “Sounds like a lot of credit needs to go to @simonkjaer1989 who started CPR being first on the scene.
“Amazing!! Well done to everyone involved, apart from the camera director and the TV companies.”
One fan said: "Simon Kjaer stopped Eriksen from swallowing his tongue, put him in the recovery position and started CPR before the medics got there. He then consoled Eriksen's partner with the world watching."
Another added: "Simon Kjær started giving / prepared Eriksen for CPR then went to console his wife, that’s a captain if I’ve ever seen one".
A third said: “A proper captain. Simon Kjaer who made sure Eriksen was in the recovery position and hadn’t swallowed his tongue. Him and all the medical staff are absolute heroes.”
Kjaer was also seen comforting Eriksen's partner, Sabrina Kvist Jensen, at the side of the pitch as the player received medical treatment.
The match was postponed but shortly after a UEFA statement was released stating that the match, on the player's request, would be resumed at the Parken Stadium.
It read: "Following the request made by players of both teams, UEFA has agreed to restart the match between Denmark and Finland tonight.
"The last four minutes of the first half will be played, there will then be a 5-minute half-time break followed by the second half.
"The match has been suspended due to a medical emergency which involved Denmark’s Christian Eriksen. The player in now in hospital and in a stable condition.
"UEFA wishes Christian Eriksen a full and speedy recovery and wishes to thank both teams for their exemplary attitude."
The organisation's president, Aleksander Čeferin, said: "Moments like this put everything in life into perspective. I wish Christian a full and speedy recovery and pray his family has strength and faith.
"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.”
