- In Stuttgart, play was stopped for seven minutes after Varga suffered the injury
- The Hungarian Football Federation issued a statement confirming that Varga is in a stable condition in hospital
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Barnabas Varga is in a stable condition in hospital after a sickening head collision during Hungary’s Euro 2024 match against Scotland.
The match was halted for around seven minutes after the Hungarian striker was knocked to the ground following a collision with Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the 67th minute.
Varga and Gunn had both challenged for the ball from a free-kick in the penalty area, with the Scottish goalkeeper’s elbow appearing to hit the striker’s head.
There was immediate concern on the pitch from the Hungarian team, with Varga’s teammates rushing forward to assist the striker who was lying on the ground.
Both teams quickly realized that Varga needed medical attention and began waving medical professionals onto the field, who appeared to move Varga into recovery position.
Sheets were raised around Barnabas Varga as the Hungarian striker was treated
Varga received medical treatment after a collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn
Dominik Szoboszlai appeared in tears on the pitch as his teammate was treated
Sheets were placed around Varga as he was treated, before the 29-year-old was stretchered off the pitch.
The Hungarian Football Federation has issued an update to confirm Varga is stable.
‘Barnabas Varga’s condition is stable. The player is currently in one of the hospitals in Stuttgart,” a statement said.
“We will inform you immediately if there is any news regarding his status.”
Hungarian outlet Magyar Nemzet reported that Varga did not lose consciousness after the collision.
Varga was reportedly placed in a neck brace by doctors before being taken to hospital.
M4 Sport reported that Varga was able to communicate with medical staff.
Sheets were pulled up around the injured striker as he received medical attention, with Hungary’s players helping stewards and doctors protect their teammate.
He was then taken off the pitch on a stretcher, with Liverpool striker Dominik Szoboszlai helping to carry Varga off the pitch.
Szoboszlai was pictured wearing a Varga shirt at full-time after Hungary won 1-0 against Scotland
Varga, right, was seen battling for possession with Scot Scott McKenna of Scotland earlier in the match
Hungary captain Szoboszlai was also seen in tears after the event took place, while other members of the team looked visibly distressed.
Angus Gunn also received medical attention, but was able to continue playing despite landing awkwardly on his back.
The match restarted in the 74th minute, seven minutes after the incident occurred.
The broadcasts continued to show the field and the reactions of players, coaching staff and fans in the stands three minutes after the incident.
The BBC, which showed the match in Britain, said it was “shocked” that UEFA chose to show a replay of the incident.
‘Huge condolences to Scotland and their Tartan Army in Stuttgart and beyond. It wouldn’t be for Scotland again,” BBC presenter Gabby Logan said after the match.
‘And to echo Steve’s thoughts there, all our thoughts are obviously with Barbaras Varga after that sickening collision and we will keep you posted as we get any information.
‘We have nothing more to say about his condition at this time. We were as shocked as you were 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 show that replay. That’s why we switched to wide angle as quickly as possible.’