Christian Eriksen: Denmark-Belgium match pauses after 10 minutes to applaud stricken star

Tribute for the Danish star came after he suffered a cardiac arrest against Finland

Players react after kicking the ball out in the 10th minute of the match to applaud Denmark's Christian Eriksen. Reuters

A large replica Denmark shirt with Christian Eriksen, Number Ten is displayed on the pitch prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group B match between Denmark and Belgium. Getty Images

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku applauds during the break at the tenth minute to honour Denmark's Christian Eriksen. AP

Denmark's Simon Kjaer and Belgium's Romelu Lukaku react after kicking the ball out in the 10th minute. Reuters

Denmark's defender Simon Kjaer claps after the ball was kicked out of play in honour of Denmark's midfielder Christian Eriksen. AFP

Denmark fans in the stands with a Christian Eriksen jersey. Reuters

A Belgium fan wearing a T-shirt with a message of support for Denmark's midfielder Christian Eriksen. AFP

Denmark's supporters hold a banner in support of Denmark's midfielder Christian Eriksen. AFP

Denmark's Simon Kjaer holds a framed shirt for Denmark's Christian Eriksen who remains in hospital. Reuters

Belgium's supporters hold a banner in support of Denmark's midfielder Christian Eriksen. AFP

Applause rang out for Christian Eriksen in a touching moment that was shared by everyone at the Parken Stadium on Thursday, as Denmark faced Belgium without their star player.

As had been planned, the ball was kicked out in the 10th minute of the Group B match to allow the show of support.

Fans, players and the match officials all joined in, with Belgium's Romelu Lukaku, a club teammate at Inter Milan, looking particularly emotional. The timing was connected to Eriksen wearing the number 10 shirt for his country.

A huge flag in the shape of Eriksen's Denmark jersey was unfurled across the pitch before kick-off, while fans held up banners with caring messages.

The midfielder has been recovering in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during Denmark's opening match of Euro 2020 against Finland.

He had to be resuscitated at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Saturday and will be fitted with a heart starter, the Danish football federation have announced.

"This device is necessary after a cardiac attack due to rhythm disturbances," said Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen.

"Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has been confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally, who all recommend the same treatment."

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Eriksen, Kanu, Casillas and other footballers to suffer cardiac-related illness