Lessons from the football field

The whole world was stunned!

Those of us watching the Euro 2020 match between Denmark & Finland at Copenhagen on television, received a huge shock, as we had not witnessed anything of this nature before in a football match. The match was nearing half-time with no goals scored, when all of a sudden this scene unfolded on screen in front of us — Christian Eriksen, the Danish midfielder while near the sideline waiting to receive a throw-in, suddenly collapsed in a heap with no player close by. Shocked we were but so were his team-mates, opponents, referee, linesmen and the fans in the stadium. Later it transpired that the 29-year old Eriksen had a cardiac arrest but with the timely resuscitation and use of a defibrillator on the field ‘revived’ him before he was moved to hospital. Revived, yes, this means he was gone but literally came back from the dead. Now, it is big relief to learn that he is out of danger and his latest picture and message prove that the prayers of millions have been answered, he received timely and top-class medical attention and above all, Eriksen is one tough-cookie.

This post is more about the lessons learnt from this shocking incident on the football field — more about how different was the behaviour of different people and what were the qualities which stood out. As everyone looked dumbstruck and helpless, up came the captain of Denmark, Simon Kjaer showing his true # Leadership skills and presence of mind. He quickly sized up the situation and lifted Eriksen to a reclining position even as he signalled frantically for additional medical support. Some had already arrived but it was Kjaer who took charge. Some say that this action possibly saved Eriksen from swallowing his tongue. Sensing that all this was happening before the television cameras and the spectators, Kjaer got his team-members to form a protective ring around the fallen Eriksen so that the medics could work on him and more important, his privacy was not compromised even in this condition. People talk of # Compassion but Kjaer displayed it while comforting Eriksen’s girlfriend who had entered the pitch, shocked at the sudden turn of events.

#Discipline was perhaps the most important requirement after this tragic incident and it was displayed in abundance – No one rushed on to the field, be it the Coach, players on the bench or the fans. The spectators remained silent in their seats. While many stood up, thee were no shouts, cries or murmurs going around the stadium. Finally, the media too showed a lot of maturity and discipline. No intrusive cameramen on the field.

The way the spectators waited silently for an official update much after Eriksen had been taken to hospital showed their # Patience. No rumour-mongering or falling prey to the same.

Football-hooliganism is often seen in Club matches in Europe, but here the # Maturity & #Humanity displayed by fans deserve a huge applause. When a cover or curtain was to be put around Eriksen when he was lying on the field and later when he was taken on a stretcher, what was used as a curtain? A large national flag of Finland was offered by fans and used as a curtain. Finland flag used as a curtain to shield a fallen opponent, a Danish player … was certainly a goosebumps moment.

Finally, when the announcement came that Eriksen was in hospital and responding to treatment, the UEFA decided that the match should continue. # Inhuman, say some, UEFA should have been more considerate to the Danish players. Just imagine their mental state! This debate will pick up steam in the coming days, no doubt but a positive take-away was the # Sense of Duty shown by the Danish team who did continue the match without murmur.

Happenings on the sports field provide learnings for life too.