Hungary’s captain, Dominik Szoboszlai, has called for a revision of medical protocols following a serious injury to the team’s striker, Barnabás Varga, during a Euro 2024 match against Scotland. Varga was injured after a collision with Scotland’s goalkeeper Angus Gunn, which led to him falling and requiring immediate medical attention. Despite the swift response from the medical team, Szoboszlai expressed concerns about the speed of the intervention and suggested that the medical staff should act more quickly in such emergencies.
The incident, which occurred at the Stuttgart Arena, saw teammates urgently signaling for medical assistance. Medical staff shielded Varga with sheets as they treated him on the field, leading to a 10-minute stoppage time extension. Cameras captured Szoboszlai, visibly upset, assisting with the stretcher to expedite Varga’s exit from the pitch.
Following the match, the Hungarian FA confirmed that Varga was in a stable condition at a nearby hospital, having suffered a concussion and a broken cheekbone that required surgery. Reflecting on the incident, Szoboszlai stressed the importance of immediate medical response, suggesting that medics should enter the pitch even against a referee’s initial decision if the situation appears grave.
UEFA responded to inquiries about the incident by stating that their medical intervention was prompt and followed standard procedures, with the team doctor arriving within 15 seconds of the incident. They assured that all actions taken were in line with established medical protocols and that there was no delay in providing care.
The Hungarian team, showing solidarity, celebrated their subsequent victory with shirts bearing Varga’s name, symbolizing their support for their injured teammate. Coach Marco Rossi acknowledged the players’ concerns about the perceived delay in medical response but confirmed Varga’s stable condition and upcoming surgery for his injuries. He noted that while Varga would be absent from future games, his health remained the priority.
