Captain Szoboszlai calls for changes to medical procedures at Euro 2024

Hungary striker Barnabas Varga falls after a collision during the match against Scotland on June 23 - Photo: AFP

Captain Szoboszlai believes the medical staff should have acted faster. They should have rushed in even if the referee had not stopped the match.

On June 26, the Hungarian Football Federation said Varga had surgery to treat facial injuries and could be discharged from the hospital.

In the June 23 Euro 2024 match, after Varga collided with Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the penalty area in the second half, his teammates signaled for medical help. When the medical staff arrived, they put up a screen while they tended to the player. In the end, 10 minutes were added to the match.

Pictures show Szoboszlai in tears and worried as medical staff were slow to enter the pitch to help his teammate.

He then ran to help bring in a stretcher. Varga was eventually taken off the field to applause from both sets of fans.

Kevin Csoboth then scored the decisive goal in the 90+10 minute to give Hungary a chance to qualify for the round of 16 of Euro 2024.

After the match, the Hungarian Football Federation confirmed that Varga suffered a concussion and a broken cheekbone that required surgery. He is currently in stable condition at a nearby hospital.

"It looks bad, it's bad, he feels bad!", Szoboszlai told reporters about Varga's injury.

Medical staff shield Barnabas Varga as he is carried off the pitch - Photo: AFP

"I don't really know what the medical protocol is. I don't know how it works. But if our doctors say we need someone to help us right away, I don't think they should walk.

"It's not my decision, but I think we need to change something. As soon as someone is lying on the ground and you see it's a big collision, go on. Even if the referee says no, go on... A few seconds can help a lot," CNN quoted Szoboszlai as explaining.

When asked about the matter, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) explained that the team doctor intervened within 15 seconds of the incident. Shortly after, a second doctor at the stadium attended to assess the injury and provide treatment.

"A qualified emergency team was waiting on the pitch, and arrived with a stretcher as soon as the doctors requested them to intervene to provide first aid to the player and immediately transport him to hospital.

The coordination between all medical staff on site was very professional and everything was carried out in accordance with current medical procedures. There was no delay in treating and assisting the player," UEFA stressed.

Meanwhile, Hungary coach Marco Rossi said "it was a confusing situation". "What I heard from the players is that Varga looked like he was unconscious at the time, so everyone was really worried about his condition. At the same time, they were also worried that the doctors arrived a bit late.

"But of course, they probably didn't realize it was a dangerous situation. Fortunately, Varga was not in any danger," Mr. Rossi said.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/doi-truong-szoboszlai-doi-thay-doi-quy-trinh-y-te-tai-euro-2024-20240626160129753.htm