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Medical emergency on the pitch during Scotland game amid fears for player
SCOTLAND’S Euro 2024 clash with Hungary was stopped for six minutes due to a medical emergency.
Barnabas Varga lay stricken on the pitch after he and Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn had contested a high cross into the box midway through the second half.
His Hungarian teammates offered a screen of privacy as medical staff ran on before a sheet was pulled around the player.
Varga was eventually stretchered off in worrying scenes, with Liverpool forward and Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai in tears.
The game continued after a six minute delay – with 10 minutes of injury time added on at the end of the second half.
Pat Nevin, commentating on the BBC, said: “We have seen it before if a keeper comes out and he doesn’t get the ball but takes a player it is a foul.
“I actually think Angus Gunn got some of the ball there.”
BBC host Gabby Logan said at full-time: “All of our thoughts of course are with Barnabas Varga after that sickening collision.
“We are updating you when we have information but at the moment we have no more on his condition.
“We were as shocked as you when they replayed that incident.
“There are protocols around this kind of thing after Christian Eriksen three years ago.
“We were very surprised that UEFA chose to play in that replay which is why we [the BBC] chose to cut away immediately to a wide angle as soon as we could.”
Hungary won the match 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kevin Csoboth in the tenth minute of time added on.
The victory keeps alive their chances of going through to the knockout stages.
And their players celebrated by holding up Varga’s shirt to show their teammate was very much in their thoughts.
There was soon some better news, as Gabby Logan delivered an update on the BBC.
She said: “Some news coming to us from the Hungarian camp who have confirmed that Barnabas Varga is in a stable condition.
“He is conscious – which is fantastic news – in a Stuttgart hospital after he suffered that collision in the game. That is very, very positive.”
Gunn later gave his best wishes to Varga.
He told the BBC: “It was a bit of a blur.
“I had to come and thought I did well.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
“It was painful. I hope the guy is alright. You would rather he’d got up.
“I can’t really remember too much about that one.”
Scotland Player Ratings
By Gareth Law
Angus Gunn – redeemed himself for Germany horror show with top display against Switzerland, made early save from Bolla then came to clear second half and produced two late stops but no chance at goal 6
Jack Hendry – made debut against Hungary in 2018, showed good passing and anticipation and read game well. Wasn’t afraid to step into challenges and took dull one after brave tackle before break 7
Grant Hanley – stopper was steady at the back. Man in the middle of defence kept things simple and marshalled those around him in wholehearted performance but should have buried late shot at 0-0 6
Scott McKenna – in for crocked Kieran Tierney. Licence to get forwards like the Arsenal man and showed willing despite not being his natural game. Refused to get drawn into tackles. Composed display 7
Anthony Ralston – kept his place at right wing-back despite error that led to Switzerland’s goal. Started well and was positive going forwards. Winded after taking shot in the solar plexus but kept going 6
Billy Gilmour – made himself available and kept ball moving but also chased things down. Scotland needed to find him more often but others had to show and make runs for him to pick out passes. Subbed 6
Callum McGregor – changed boots early on but looked unusually weighed down by them when he had the ball. Caught in possession in first half and took till second period to find a penetrating pass. Finished with armband 5
Andy Robertson – Scotland skipper had to be alert to cover and clear after early Gunn save. Less of an attacking impetus down the left again but brilliant reaction when Hungary threatened second half. Tired and subbed 6
Scott McTominay – goal hero against Swiss was clattered by Botka then landed booking which would have counted him out of next game if Scotland had qualified. Didn’t let that affect him but no goal threat 6
John McGinn – hadn’t scored for Scotland since November. Slightly more withdrawn role and looked more like his usual self early on as showed strength and determination. Styles and Orban both booked for fouls on him. Subbed 5
Che Adams – netted just once for Scotland in a year. Worked hard but struggled to win aerial battles and posed little threat to goal. Conceded free-kicks and drilled chance over 4
SUBS – Stuart Armstrong (5) first Euros action for the free agent and should have won a penalty soon after coming on, Lawrence Shankland (5) linked well after coming on for Adams, Ryan Christie (2) on for Gilmour, Kenny McLean (3) finished at left-back, Lewis Morgan (2) late call-up to squad was given final minutes.
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