Thursday’s Euro 2020 clash between Denmark and Belgium was paused in the 10th minute as players from both sides paid tribute to midfielder Christian Eriksen as he continues his recovery.
Eriksen remains in hospital after his horrifying collapse during Denmark’s opening group game against Finland last weekend.
The former Tottenham midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest shortly before half-time and needed urgent medical attention on the side of the pitch.
Thursday’s match is Denmark’s first since the Finland game and play was halted in the 10th minute - reflecting Eriksen’s No10 shirt number - to allow both sets of players and supporters at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen to send a message of unity and support.
While Denmark’s side naturally includes many of Eriksen’s closest friends, several of the Belgium team also have close ties to the Inter Milan star, with Romelu Lukaku a current clubmate and defenders Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld both having played with him for years at Tottenham.
All three featured in Belgium’s opening win over Russia, which was played just hours after Eriksen’s collapse, and Lukaku paid tribute to him with his celebration after opening the scoring in that game.
