The Nations League match between Netherlands and Hungary on Saturday was briefly interrupted in the seventh minute following a worrying medical emergency on the Hungarian bench.
Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano stopped play for some 10 minutes while Hungary’s assistant coach Adam Szalai received treatment, shielded from view by huddled players and staff members, as well as a large white sheet.
“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,” said the Hungarian Football Association in a statement.
Szalai, 36, was stretchered away from the bench at the Johan Cruyff Arena to applause from spectators and players alike, before the match resumed.
Former Hungarian international Szalai earned 86 cap for his country, before retiring in 2023.
During Euro 2021, he was taken off in the 25th minute of Hungary’s 1-1 draw with France after feeling unwell following a head injury.
AFP
