Following the Sunday Euro 2024 match played in Stuttgart, which featured a 1-0 win over Scotland, captain Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary turned his anger on the poor medical response over the severe injury to teammate Barnabas Varga.
The incident occurred in the 68th minute of play when Varga collided with Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn, whereby he—the Hungarian player—sustained multiple facial fractures. Varga lay motionless on the floor and became a major cause of concern for his colleagues. Szoboszlai and some other players waved frantically for medical help.
Szoboszlai, clearly frustrated by the delay, was seen grabbing the stretcher to hurry up the medical response. Varga was eventually wheeled off the pitch to receive treatment, covered by a large brown screen held by officials.
Speaking about the incident, Szoboszlai said, “I don’t understand this kind of protocol; why the medical staff don’t rush in at this time?” He then added, “This question remains to everybody, so I wish that everybody can save some seconds and save a life.”
Indeed, Szoboszlai briefly cried due to the collision. He added that quick medical intervention was necessary in such situations, saying, “I hope we will never have to experience this again. Something needs to be done.”
Hungary head coach Marco Rossi later gave an update on the status of Varga, saying: “Varga regained consciousness just before he was taken to the hospital where his condition is already stable.”.
In answer to Szoboszlai’s criticism, UEFA issued a statement in defense of the medical staff. The coordination between all the medical staff present at the ground was professional and everything was done in compliance with the applicable medical procedures. No delays were made in the treatment of and assistance toward the player, said UEFA in a statement.
Though the game was pretty disturbing, Hungary’s performance was quite improved after Varga’s injury. In fact, the game, which had started weakly, suddenly started flooding with Hungary’s efforts to score. By the end, it was Kevin Csoboth who scored the match winner in extra time to help Hungary record a dramatic win.
For his part, Szoboszlai celebrated while wearing the spare shirt – found in Varga’s bag – turned back to front to show support for his injured colleague.
This victory has left Hungary waiting, as their fate—making it to the next round of Euro 2024—now lies in the hands of other group matches. They hope to be among the four best third-place finishers.
The incident has brought into sharp focus the prompt medical response in sports, in particular where life-threatening injuries might have occurred. Szoboszlai revealed his honest thoughts, which sparked debates over the protocols in place and whether there needs to be any kind of improvement necessary so that players’ safety stays impossible to compromise.
