Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai appeared to be in tears during Hungary's UEFA Nations League match against Netherlands after teammate Adam Szalai appeared to collapse on the bench.
Play was immediately stopped around the seven minute mark as distressed Hungarian players and coaches signaled for medical attention. UEFA officials could be seen waving medics over to the away dugout.
As silence fell around the stadium, a tent was put up around the Hungary bench as Szalai received treatment. A visibly emotional Szoboszlai called his teammates into a huddle as officials held discussions on action to take.
Gary Lineker blown away by 'exceptional' Liverpool player who Daniel Sturridge has always loved Wataru Endo makes Liverpool game time admission and Arne Slot assessment - 'People keep asking'A statement from the Hungarian FA confirmed that former Stuttgart and Basel striker Szalai had been taken to hospital. It read: "Adam Szalai fell ill in the first minutes of the Netherlands-Hungary match, but his condition is stable and he is conscious. Minutes ago, he was transported by ambulance to an Amsterdam hospital for examination."
Szoboszlai was captain for the Nations League match and lined up against three of his Liverpool colleagues. Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo were all named in the starting XI for the Dutch.
The Liverpool midfielder and fellow captain Van Dijk spoke to the referee before it was agreed that play would continue at the Johan Cruyff ArenA. The Reds teammates could be seen sharing a touching embrace as the action got back underway.
Remarkably, play was stopped after a penalty appeal for Netherlands. Referee Jesus Gil Marzano waved play on but when the action resumed 10 minutes later, was urged to check the replay by VAR.
On second viewing, he decided to award the penalty for handball and the spot kick was duly dispatched by former Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst. It was 2-0 before the break when Gakpo continued his excellent form from the spot.
Hungary and Netherlands went into the penultimate Group 3 match tied on five points, having played out a 1-1 draw last month. The top two sides will vie for promotion, with Germany well clear as group leaders.
The incident brought back harrowing memories of Euro 2024 when Hungary star Barnabas Varga collapsed on the pitch during the match against Scotland. Varga collided with goalkeeper Angus Gunnand was shown in visible distress on the ground before being taken to hospital.
