MARK CLATTENBURG: Anthony Taylor dealt with Christian Eriksen collapse superbly

MARK CLATTENBURG: Anthony Taylor dealt with the Christian Eriksen incident superbly as getting the medical staff onto the pitch to treat the Denmark star was the priority

Anthony Taylor would never have expected to find himself in such a challenging situation when he was appointed to officiate at his first major tournament — but the English referee handled everything extremely well on Saturday.

You know when players signal quickly — as Denmark’s did after Christian Eriksen collapsed — that there is a serious problem. 

In that moment, getting the medical staff on to the pitch becomes the top priority.

Referee Anthony Taylor (middle) received plaudits for dealing with Christian Eriksen’s collapse

Denmark player Eriksen collapsed during his country's Euro 2020 tie with Finland on Saturday

Denmark player Eriksen collapsed during his country’s Euro 2020 tie with Finland on Saturday

I used to say in my pre-match discussions with the physios and doctors: ‘If you see something that doesn’t look right, come on to the pitch as soon as possible.’ 

‘Seconds can save lives, and Taylor performed in the proper way. 

Then the match was suspended, which was the right thing to do.

After consulting the teams, and as news emerged that Eriksen was awake and stable, UEFA then decided to finish the match.

Taylor (left) made the decision to suspend the match when Eriksen's situation deteriorated

Taylor (left) made the decision to suspend the match when Eriksen’s situation deteriorated