BBC refuse to show Russia star being stretchered off at Euro 2020 days after Christian Eriksen collapse outrage
THE BBC refused to show footage of Russia star Mario Fernandes being treated after they faced a barrage of criticism for airing graphic images of Christian Eriksen being resuscitated.
Last week, the Beeb were forced to apologise after broadcasting shocking footage of the Denmark star, 29, being treated after suffering a cardiac arrest.
And on Wednesday, during Russia‘s Group B clash with Finland, the BBC ensured they didn’t make the same mistake again after Fernandes picked up a nasty injury.
Fernandes landed awkwardly on his back and needed a stretcher to get off the pitch in Russia’s second injury blow of the tournament after Yuri Zhirkov was ruled out.
After being treated by medics he left the pitch fully conscious and was taken to hospital with a suspected spinal injury.
The BBC refused to show what was happening, in case it was more serious than first appeared.
Finland ace Jere Uronen also sparked fears after he collided with the post before taking a boot to the face while clearing his lines – but quickly got to his feet.
Eriksen collapsed to the turf after 40 minutes of his side’s game against Finland last week.
Medics rushed to perform CPR and even used a defibrillator to save his life with Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen admitting the Inter Milan star had ‘gone’ at one point.
But the BBC continued with their broadcast, refusing to cut to the studio despite the distressing scenes.
Fans flocked in their hundreds to complain about the harrowing footage being shown, before the transmission was finally cut with the game temporarily suspended by Uefa.
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During Eriksen’s scare, as well as filming his medical treatment, fans blasted the BBC for showing Eriksen’s wife crying.
Sabrina Kvist Jensen was seen in tears while being consoled by Danish players after she rushed down to the pitch.
One viewer said they were ‘utterly disgusted’ by the decision to show her on screen.
Another posted on Twitter: “It’s absolutely atrocious how the BBC kept filming after all that was happening, no respect at all.”
BBC pundit Ian Wright even weighed in, tweeting: “CUT TO THE STUDIO FFS!!!!”
Eriksen is now seemingly on the mend and even posted a positive update on his health after the scare.
The Inter Milan midfielder took to Instagram to say: “Hello everyone.
“Big thanks for your sweet and amazing greetings and messages from all around the world. It means a lot to me and my family.
“I’m fine – under the circumstances. I still have to go through some examinations at the hospital, but I feel okay.
“Now, I will cheer on the boys on the Denmark team in the next matches.
“Play for all of Denmark. Best, Christian.”