Sunday June 13th 2021
When Eriksen collapses
ZDF rejects criticism of EM broadcast
Shortly before half-time in the duel between Finland and Denmark, there was a moment of shock: Danish player Eriksen collapsed and had to be revived on the field. The ZDF broadcasts the dramatic images – only then stops the transmission. There is criticism from the journalists’ association.
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 match responsibly. Béla Réthy reported sensitively from the stadium, and the colleagues in the studio found the right words.”
Fuhrmann could not criticize the international direction of UEFA, he said. “When the extent of the serious injury became apparent, there were no close-ups or other inappropriate images.”
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 and added: “Journalism must not be so voyeuristic. ZDF is obliged to come to terms with this blatantly wrong decision. ”
The BBC also received criticism
Eriksen had collapsed shortly 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 is upset that the pictures were broadcast. The broadcast in the stadium will be controlled by UEFA as the host. As soon as that Game was interrupted, we shut down our coverage as soon as possible. “
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