‘Cut to the studio FFS!’: Ian Wright among those slamming BBC coverage of Christian Eriksen collapse

The BBC has apologised after complaints that it continued to broadcast as Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen received CPR from emergency medics during his country’s Euro 2020 game in Copenhagen.

The broadcaster said: ‘We apologise to anyone who was upset by the images broadcast. In-stadium coverage is controlled by Uefa as the host broadcaster, and as soon as the match was suspended, we took our coverage off air as quickly as possible.’

While Eriksen’s Denmark team-mates formed a ring around the player as he appeared to be receiving CPR, the BBC continued to broadcast the distressing scene while also showing the player’s wife on the sidelines.

BBC pundit Ian Wright was among those to voice their shock that the broadcaster continued with the footage at the stadium for so long before it was eventually decided to return to the studio.

He tweeted: ‘CUT TO THE STUDIO FFS!!!!’

Gary Lineker added to the BBC’s statement by saying: ‘Everyone at the BBC is hoping that Christian makes a full recovery of course and we apologise to anyone who was upset by the images broadcast. 

‘The stadium coverage is controlled by UEFA as the host broadcaster and as soon as the match was suspended we took our coverage off air as quickly as possible.’ 

Fans on social media have slammed the BBC for their coverage of Christian Eriksen’s collapse

Many questioned why the BBC failed to cut back to the studio sooner than they eventually did

In a statement, Denmark confirmed that Eriksen is conscious and undergoing tests at hospital. ‘Christian Eriksen is AWAKE and is undergoing further examinations at Rigshospitalet.’ 

A number of other well-renowned names in sport were critical of the BBC’s handling of the situation. 

Former Premier Leaugue striker Jermaine Beckford echoes Wright’s sentiments, writing: ‘This needs to cut to the studio now!’

‘Christian Eriksen This is not good for the viewing public just go back to the studio just think of who is watching come on BBC,’ tweeted Frank Bruno.

Stephen Humphrys, a forward for League One side Rochdale, also hailed the unity of the Danish players and their immediate reaction.

‘Danish players guarding their teammate from the cameras is one of the best symbols of unity I’ve ever seen,’ Humphrys posted.

‘Huge respect. On the other hand, they shouldn’t have had to do it but unfortunately the media have no boundaries these days.

Spencer Owen was also critical of the decision to show Eriksen’s partner Sabrina Kvist as part of the coverage.

He tweeted: ‘It must have been very difficult to know what to do from a broadcasting perspective as the Eriksen situation developed, but I can’t get my head around the fact that a director must have said ‘right now cut to his wife.’ 

‘There’s no other way that shot happens surely? Sickening.’ 

UEFA confirmed the match will be restarted at 19:30 BST after both sets of players requested to do so.