Liverpool stars including Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk watched on in shock as a member of the Hungarian coaching staff fell ill on the bench during the game against The Netherlands in Amsterdam.
The Magyars, captained by Szoboszlai, boast ex-national team striker Adam Szalai in their coaching ranks since October.
Szalai fell in on the bench after just seven minutes of the UEFA Nations League clash. The game was immediately suspended as Hungary staff and players put up a human barricade around their stricken colleague.
Paramedics were on the scene quickly, providing treatment to the former forward, who departed the stadium on a stretcher.
Szalai stabilizes
The Hungarian broadcast revealed Szalai was taken to hospital for treatment and that his condition had stabilised. The game resumed after around 15 minutes.
A statement from the Hungarian FA 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.”
It was a shocking scene for all involved, including Hungarian skipper Szoboszlai, and his Dutch Liverpool colleagues Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.
Szalai used to be Hungary captain during his playing days while his club career brought spells at Mainz, Schalke and Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, among other clubs.
He and Szoboszlai lined up 22 times together for the national team.
We wish him all the best in his recovery.
Belgium
