Szoboszlai demands Uefa protocol change after Hungary star Varga’s horror injury

HUNGARY midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has called on Uefa to make a protocol change following Barnabas Varga’s horrific head injury.

Varga, 29, was knocked unconscious after colliding with Angus Gunn during Hungary’s Euro 2024 group stage match against Scotland on Sunday.

He required immediate medical attention, but players were left furious when some paramedics appeared to walk onto the pitch.

Szoboszlai, Varga’s team-mate, now believes Uefa should make a change to ensure players in a similar situation receive treatment as soon as possible.

At full-time, the Liverpool star said: “It looked bad, it was bad, it felt bad.

“I don’t really know the protocols or how it works, but if our doctors say we need someone immediately to help, then I don’t think they should walk.

“It’s not my decision, but I think we need to change something.

“Even if someone is on the ground, and you know that it was a big collision, then just go on [the pitch].

“Even if the referee is saying don’t go on, just go on. And if you can see it’s nothing serious, then you can just go down and it’s finished. But seconds can help a lot.”

But Uefa insisted that their protocols did not prevent immediate treatment.

A statement read: “With regards to the medical intervention following the head injury suffered by Barnabas Varga of Hungary, we would like to clarify that the intervention of the team doctor happened within 15 seconds of the incident, followed immediately by the second stadium doctor, to conduct a first assessment of the injury and provide appropriate treatment, as per customary medical procedures.”

Szoboszlai wore Varga’s shirt after the match in a classy gesture following the incident.

And Hungary defender Milos Kerkez quickly issued an update on the forward’s condition.

He took to social media to write: “Proud of everyone and thankful for the support in the stadium and the country! Our brother will be alright because he is strong.”

Recalling the horrific incident, man of the match Roland Sallai said: “It was a terrible moment to see him like that. He’ll have to go through a minor operation, but we cross our fingers for him that he can return.

“Naturally, it was a terrible incident. Of course, we were fighting for him in the remaining minutes and this win is dedicated to him.”

Marco Rossi’s side went on to win 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Kevin Csoboth.

They subsequently finished third in Group A while Scotland crashed out of Euro 2024.

Varga will now miss the rest of the tournament due to the serious injury he suffered in the second half.