Barnabas Varga steady after head conflict throughout Hungary vs Scotland

Barnabas Varga is stable in hospital after suffering a sickening head clash during Hungary’s Euro 2024 match against Scotland. 

The 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.

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. 

‘Barnabás Varga’s condition is stable. The player is currently in one of the hospitals in Stuttgart,’ a statement read.

‘We will inform you immediately if there is any news about his status.’

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.

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.

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 forward 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.

‘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.