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WATCH: Ronnie Whelan criticised for "he's OK" comment at Eriksen tribute

There's been sharp criticism of Ronnie Whelan after he downplayed a tribute to Christian Eriksen....
Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

18.36 17 Jun 2021


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WATCH: Ronnie Whelan criticise...

WATCH: Ronnie Whelan criticised for "he's OK" comment at Eriksen tribute

Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

18.36 17 Jun 2021


Share this article


There's been sharp criticism of Ronnie Whelan after he downplayed a tribute to Christian Eriksen. 

The Republic of Ireland legend was alongside Stephen Alkin in the RTÉ commentary box for Denmark's Euro 2020 game with Belgium.

There were emotional scenes prior to kick-off, with Danish players brought to tears during the anthems.

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A giant Denmark jersey with 'Eriksen 10' was unfurled on the pitch before the match, while in the tenth minute both sets of players paused to applaud the stricken Inter playmaker.

"I'm sure he'll be saying there's no real need for this", Whelan said on commentary, "I think he's that sort of a fella.

"I'm sure he's happy, but there's no real need for it now, isn't it? Everything's alright, he's OK, Let's get on with the football again."

It was confirmed earlier in the day that Eriksen requires an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (heart-starter) fitted after he collapsed during Saturday's game with Finland.

Eriksen is in the Rigshospitalet hospital, which is just 1.2km from the stadium, so he would likely have been able to hear the tribute.

Denmark took the lead at the Parken Stadium after just 99-seconds when Yussuf Poulsen fired a low shot beyond Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

But following the half-time introduction of Kevin de Bruyne, the game turned in favour of the number-1 ranked side in the world.

After a powerful Romelu Lukaku run, the Manchester City playmaker teed up Thorgan Hazard to level.

And it was De Bruyne himself who made it 2-1 to Belgium with twenty minutes to play.

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