Barnabas Varga is stable in hospital after reportedly breaking ‘several bones in his face’ after a sickening head clash during Hungary’s Euro 2024 match against Scotland.
Hungary manager Marco Rossi revealed after their crucial 1-0 win over Scotland that Varga is expected to undergo surgery on a fractured cheekbone he sustained in the incident.
The Group A match was stopped for around seven minutes after the Hungary forward was knocked to the ground following a collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the 67th minute.
Varga and Gunn had both challenged for the ball from a free kick in the penalty area, with the Scotland goalkeeper’s elbow appearing to connect with the forward’s head.
There was immediate concern on the pitch from the Hungary team, with Varga’s team-mates rushing over to assist the striker who was lying prone on the floor.
Sheets were raised around Barnabas Varga as the Hungary forward received treatment
Varga received medical treatment following a collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn
Dominik Szoboszlai appeared to be in tears on the pitch as his team-mate was treated
Both teams quickly realised Varga needed medical attention and began waving medical professionals onto the field, who appeared to put the Varga into the recovery position.
Sheets were placed around Varga as he was treated, before the 29-year-old was stretchered off the pitch.
The Hungarian football federation issued an update after the nation’s 1-0 win over Scotland to confirm Varga is stable.
Hungary boss Marco Rossi revealed in his post-match press conference that Varga will require surgery after reportedly suffering a fractured cheekbone.
‘The players were saying he looked unconscious so everyone was really worried about his condition and worried about the fact that the doctors arrived late, we can say, but they probably didn’t realise it was a dangerous situation,’ Rossi said.
‘Thankfully he is not under risk, he will be operated on here [his cheek].
‘He’s healthy, and that’s the most important thing. If we go through, he is no longer part of the team.’
Hungary’s players had shown their support to Varga with Kevin Csoboth raising his shirt as a show of support after scoring a dramatic winner 10 minutes into injury time.
Szoboszlai was pictured wearing a Varga shirt at full-time, with the Hungary team gathering to celebrate their victory.
‘The most important thing is that Barni is better, we fought for it in the last 20 minutes,’ said Hungary forward Roland Sallai.
‘In the end, we showed what kind of team we are, we never give up, this is our strength.’
Hungarian outlet Magyar Nemzet reported that Varga did not lose consciousness following the collision.
Varga was reportedly was put in a neck brace by medics, before being taken to hospital.
Szoboszlai was seen carrying the stretcher as he urged them to rush to treat his team-mate
Kevin Csoboth celebrated his match winning goal by holding up Varga’s shirt in support
Szoboszlai was pictured wearing a Varga shirt at full-time after Hungary won 1-0 against Scotland
M4 Sport reported Varga was able to communicate with medical staff.
Sheets was raised around the injured forward as he received medical attention, with Hungary’s players helping stewards and doctors cover their team-mate.
He was then seen being taken from the field on a stretcher, with Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai helping to carry Varga from the pitch.
The Hungary captain, Szoboszlai, was also seen in tears after the event happened, with other members of the team looking visibly distressed.
Angus Gunn also received medical attention but despite landing awkwardly on his back was able to continue playing.
The match was resumed in the 74th minute, seven minutes after the incident took place.
Broadcast coverage had continued to show the pitch and reactions from players, coaching staff and fans in the stands for three minutes after incident.
The BBC, who showed the match in the UK, said it was ‘shocked’ UEFA chose to show a replay of the incident.
‘Huge commiserations to Scotland and their Tartan Army in Stuttgart and beyond. It wasn’t to be once again for Scotland,’ said BBC presenter Gabby Logan post-match.
Varga, right, seen jostling for possession with Scotland’s Scott McKenna earlier in the match
Hungary players held Varga’s shirt at full-time after beating Scotland to boost their last-16 hopes
‘And, just to echo [commentator] Steve’s [Wilson] thoughts there, all of our thoughts are of course with Barbaras Varga after that sickening collision and we are updating you when we get information.
‘At the moment, we have no more on his condition. We were as shocked as you when they replayed that incident.
‘There are protocols around this kind of thing after Christian Eriksen three years ago.
‘We were very surprised that UEFA chose to show that replay, which is why we cut away immediately to a wide-angle as soon as we could.’
Hungary’s 1-0 win could see the nation advance to the last-16 as one of the best placed third placed teams, while the result ended Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign.
