Hungary forward Barnabas Varga sustained multiple facial fractures and a concussion following a horrific head collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn during their Euro 2024 Group A match in Stuttgart. The game was halted for about seven minutes as Varga received urgent medical attention. He was eventually stretchered off the field, shielded from view by sheets held up by medics and teammates.
According to the Hungarian Football Association, Varga suffered fractures to several bones in his face and will likely require surgery. He spent the night in a Stuttgart hospital, with the entire team rallying behind him. Scotland’s Gunn, who was involved in the collision, expressed concern for Varga’s well-being in a post-match interview, saying he couldn’t remember much about the incident.
Hungary’s players showed their support for Varga, with goalscorer Kevin Csoboth raising Varga’s shirt in celebration and captain Dominik Szoboszlai wearing a Varga shirt at full-time. Varga, married to partner Laura Skrapits, is based in Budapest with his club Ferencvaros. The couple prefers to keep their personal life private.
The match, which Hungary won 1-0, was briefly halted in the 67th minute due to the collision. Varga was placed in a neck brace as a precaution, and M4 Sport reported that he regained consciousness and communicated with medical staff. The Hungary players assisted in covering their teammate with sheets, and Szoboszlai helped carry Varga off the pitch. The Hungary captain was visibly distressed, along with other teammates.
Gunn also received medical attention for his awkward landing but was able to continue playing. The game resumed in the 74th minute, and the BBC, which aired the match in the UK, expressed surprise at UEFA’s decision to replay the incident, citing protocols following similar incidents like Christian Eriksen’s collapse in 2021.
Hungary’s victory boosts their chances of advancing to the last-16 as one of the best third-placed teams, while Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign comes to an end.
Barnabas Varga is in stable condition and hospitalized after sustaining multiple facial fractures and a concussion from a horrific head collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn during Hungary’s Euro 2024 Group A match in Stuttgart. The game was halted for approximately seven minutes to allow Varga to receive urgent medical attention.
The 29-year-old Hungarian player was immediately knocked unconscious and lay motionless on the pitch as concerned teammates signaled for medical assistance. Varga was eventually carried off the field on a stretcher, shielded from view by sheets held up by medics and teammates.
The Hungarian Football Association provided an update on Varga’s condition late on Sunday, stating that he had suffered fractures to several facial bones and a concussion. They added that surgery was likely and that he would spend the night in a Stuttgart hospital, with the entire team offering their support.
Scotland’s Gunn, in a post-match interview, expressed concern for Varga’s well-being, stating that the incident was a blur and that he hoped Varga was doing well. He added that he couldn’t remember much about the collision.
The match between Hungary and Scotland was halted for several minutes after Varga’s collision with Gunn.
Sheets were raised around Varga to provide privacy as he received medical treatment.
Varga received urgent medical attention following the collision with Scotland’s goalkeeper.
Barnabas Varga is pictured with his partner, Laura Skrapits.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Hungary’s captain, was visibly distressed and appeared to be in tears as Varga received treatment.
The collision occurred as both Varga and Gunn challenged for the ball from a free kick in the penalty area. Gunn’s elbow appeared to connect with Varga’s head, knocking him unconscious. The severity of the incident was immediately apparent, and medics rushed onto the field to provide emergency care.
Varga was placed in the recovery position, and sheets were erected around him to provide privacy and shield him from view. He was eventually stretchered off the pitch and taken to a hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.
Hungary’s manager, Marco Rossi, confirmed in a post-match press conference that Varga would require surgery for a fractured cheekbone. He expressed relief that Varga was out of danger and commended the medical team’s response.
Hungary’s players demonstrated their support for Varga throughout the remainder of the match. Kevin Csoboth, who scored the winning goal in injury time, celebrated by holding up Varga’s shirt. At full-time, captain Dominik Szoboszlai wore a Varga shirt, and the entire team gathered to celebrate their victory while holding Varga’s shirt.
Varga, who is married to his partner, Laura Skrapits, met in his hometown of Szentpeterfa, Hungary. The couple now resides in Budapest, where Varga’s club, Ferencvaros, is based. They prefer to keep their personal life private, and Laura’s social media profiles are set to private.
In a previous interview, Varga expressed his love for his hometown and his intention to return there after his football career. He also spoke about his long-standing relationship with Laura and the close-knit nature of their community.
Szoboszlai, visibly distressed, helped carry Varga off the pitch on a stretcher.
Kevin Csoboth celebrated the winning goal by holding up Varga’s shirt in a show of support.
Szoboszlai wore a Varga shirt at full-time, demonstrating his support for his injured teammate.
As a precaution, Varga was placed in a neck brace due to the possibility of a spinal injury. M4 Sport reported that Varga regained consciousness and was able to communicate with medical staff. Sheets were raised around him to provide privacy as he received treatment, with Hungary’s players assisting in shielding their teammate from view.
Varga was then carried off the field on a stretcher, with Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai among those helping to carry him. The Hungary captain, visibly distressed, was seen in tears, along with other teammates who looked on with concern.
Gunn also received medical attention after landing awkwardly on his back but was able to continue playing. The match resumed in the 74th minute, seven minutes after the incident. The BBC, which aired the match in the UK, expressed surprise at UEFA’s decision to replay the incident, citing protocols following similar incidents like Christian Eriksen’s collapse in 2021.
Hungary’s 1-0 victory boosts their chances of advancing to the last-16 as one of the best third-placed teams, while Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign comes to an end.
Varga, seen here earlier in the match, jostling for possession.
Hungary players held Varga’s shirt at full-time, united in their support for their injured teammate.