ZDF sports director Thomas Fuhrmann has rejected criticism for not adequately reporting on the collapse of Danish soccer star Christian Eriksen in the European Championship game against Finland. “ZDF handled the tragic incident at the Denmark-Finland game responsibly. Béla Réthy reported sensitively from the stadium, the colleagues in the studio found the right words. Nor can I criticize UEFA’s international direction. When the extent of the serious injury became apparent, there were no close-ups or other unsuitable pictures, "said Fuhrmann of the German press agency.
Before that, Frank Überall, as federal chairman of the German Association of Journalists (DJV), had criticized it.
“I find it unbearable that the live broadcast on television showed the resuscitation of the footballer for a long time.
That is irresponsible and contradicts journalistic ethics, "said Überall, adding:" Journalism must not be so voyeuristic.
The ZDF is obliged to come to terms with this blatantly wrong decision. "
In the UK, criticism of the BBC
Eriksen had collapsed just before half-time and remained motionless.
Paramedics initiated life-saving measures.
After more than an hour, the all-clear was given.
The 29-year-old is now conscious and is in the hospital.
The game continued, Finland won 1-0.
ZDF and Magenta TV had temporarily interrupted their broadcasts from the stadium in Copenhagen.
There was also criticism of the BBC broadcast in Great Britain, to which the broadcaster responded: “We apologize to everyone who was upset that the pictures were broadcast.
The broadcast in the stadium is controlled by UEFA as the host.
As soon as the game was interrupted, we switched off our reporting as soon as possible. "