Hungary’s victory against Scotland at Euro 2024 was marred by a serious head injury sustained by Barnabas Varga. The incident occurred when Varga collided with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the second half, leaving him motionless on the ground. Hungary’s players were quick to rush to Varga’s aid, while the national team’s medical staff initially took some time to react. Eventually, they ran onto the pitch and put Varga in a recovery position.
During the live coverage of the match, the BBC initially showed a replay of the incident before quickly cutting away to a wider shot of the pitch, where medical staff were attending to Varga. Gabby Logan, the presenter, expressed her shock at UEFA’s decision to show the replay and close-up of Varga’s injury. She mentioned that there are protocols in place for such situations, citing Christian Eriksen’s collapse three years prior.
Following the match, Hungary confirmed that Varga is conscious and in a stable condition but is likely to undergo surgery. The statement from Hungary’s Football Association revealed that several bones in Varga’s face were broken, and he also suffered a concussion. He spent the night in a hospital in Stuttgart.
Hungary’s head coach, Marco Rossi, expressed his concern for Varga during the game and was relieved to hear that he is not under any kind of risk. However, it is uncertain whether Varga will be available for the rest of the tournament, depending on his recovery progress. Rossi mentioned that an operation may be necessary due to a fracture.
Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn expressed his hope that Varga would be alright and admitted that he couldn’t remember much about the incident. The focus now is on Varga’s recovery and ensuring that he receives the necessary medical attention.
Overall, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of contact sports and the importance of prioritizing player safety. It also raises questions about the responsibility of broadcasters and sports organizations in handling and showing sensitive footage of injuries. While fans want to stay informed, it’s crucial to balance their curiosity with the well-being and privacy of the players involved.