Denmark introduce rule for every player after Christian Eriksen collapses on pitch

Denmark moved to introduce a rule applying to all of its players after Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch for the second time on Sunday.

Eriksen fell to the ground after clutching his chest in the 65th minute of Denmark's friendly fixture with Ukraine in Odense.

He then received medical treatment on the pitch for around 13 minutes as players performed a huddle to protect the Wolfsburg midfielder.

As confirmed by Denmark's doctor, Eriksen regained consciousness and returned to his feet before being taken to hospital in an ambulance.

Nevertheless, a decision was made to abandon the game with 75 minutes on the clock and Denmark leading 2-1.

Eriksen suffered a first cardiac episode on the pitch in 2021 at Euro 2021 against Finland and was effectively revived.

Denmark players had to see out the rest of the game, losing 1-0 in Copenhagen. They were visibly distraught and that was the case again on Sunday at Nature Energy Park.

Both sets of players applauded the fans in attendance in emotional scenes and aware of the effect it could have on the group, Denmark have instructed their players to not travel alone after the game.

Denmark players were impacted by Eriksen's collapse. Image: Getty

Manager Brian Riemer will also check in on his players and their wellbeing.

According to The Sun, Danish Football Association director Peter Moller said: “We have made sure that no one travels home alone. They either travel home with parents, family or with each other as a group.

“I also know that Brian will be calling each player in the coming days and asking how they are doing and if they need anything.”

Commenting on the incident afterwards, Riemer said he was "looking forward" to seeing Eriksen and intends on doing so as soon as possible.

Captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, a long-time colleague of Eriksen's and admitted he was left in "shock" after the 34-year-old's second cardiac episode.

The Marseille man told Danish broadcaster TV 2: "I think I need to see my children and my family. They are the ones I want to see."

Cardiologist explains Christian Eriksen's collapse against Denmark

After his cardiac arrest on the pitch against Finland, Eriksen was fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) that allowed him to continue his playing career.

The pacemaker device monitors heart rate levels and performs defibrillation in the event of any dangerous heart rhythms.

On social media, Sadi Raza, a cardiologist who double board certified In cardiovascular diseases said there is a "good chance what happened today was his defibrillator (ICD) shocking him which is why his initial reaction is like being hit by a baseball bat to the chest".

He was unable to confirm whether the shock was because of the detection of a real arrhythmia but said he "will undergo a full evaluation but most immediately his ICD will be interrogated (which can be done immediately) to determine what exactly happened".

Eriksen travelled to hospital with his wife Sabrina after gesturing to his teammates. He has not yet commented on the second collapse.