THE BBC apologised after viewers were showed a replay of Barnabas Varga’s shocking injury during Scotland’s Euro 2024 defeat to Hungary.
The Hungarian striker, 29, was rushed to hospital following a collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
He received lengthy medical treatment on the pitch, with members of security staff holding a privacy screen around him as he lay on the floor.
Despite concerns for Varga’s condition, a replay of the sickening incident was screened to fans across the continent – including millions of Brits watching on BBC 1.
The BBC, as well as ITV, uses Uefa’s global feed when showing games from the tournament.
That means they have limited control over what is shown.
And after the incident was replayed, UK TV screens instead cut away to a wide angle shot out of respect for the stricken player.
Speaking after full time, BBC presenter Gabby Logan explained Uefa broke their own protocol by showing the replay.
She said live on air: “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 and we were very surprised that Uefa decided to show that replay, which is why we cut away immediately to a wide angle as soon as we could.”
Logan later revealed Varga was in a stable condition after being taken to a Stuttgart hospital.
Sheets were brought out to cover Varga with several team-mates including Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai seen in tears.
BARBABAS VARGA has enjoyed a meteoric rise from semi-pro leagues of Austria and Hungary to the Euro 2024 finals.
The Hungary striker played for six seasons, between 2010 and 2016 for SV Eberau in the Bergenlandliga – the regional fourth tier of Austrian football.
A record of over a goal every other game earned Varga a shot at the big time with with SV Mattersburg in the Austrian Bundesliga.
However, he scored only once in just 16 games over the next three seasons before dropping down to the second tier with SV Lafnitz.
After a mixed spell, Varga’s next step was to his homeland, again in the second tier, with Gyirnot in 2020.
That’s where it began to click for Varga and his eye for goal saw top division Paksi FC swoop.
Varga scored almost a goal a game in his first season with Paksi, finishing as the top scorer in the Hungarian league.
That earned the late bloomer an international debut, at the age of 28, in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Bulgaria.
One his third cap, away to Serbia, he netted his first Hungary goal.
Last summer, Varga joined Hungarian giants Ferencvaros and again got the golden boot as his side won the league, the first silverware of his career.
Varga was carried off on a stretcher and was reportedly conscious and communicating with medical staff on his way to hospital.
The lengthy delay resulted in ten minutes added time, with Kevin Csoboth proving the hero for Hungary with a 100th minute winner.
The substitute held up Varga’s shirt as he celebrated with his team-mates.
Hungary head coach Marco Rossi said in his post-match interview: “Barnabas Varga’s life is not in danger.
“He will undergo an operation after fracture in his face and he won’t be available for the rest of Euro 2024.”
A DECADE ago Hungary's glory days seemed gone forever, but they've now qualified for three European Championships in a row.
A 4-0 win away to England and an unbeaten qualifying campaign shows how dangerous the Hungarians can be on their day.
MANAGER: Marco Rossi
One of five Italian coaches at Euro 2024, Rossi has been granted Hungarian citizenship after revitalising the national team during his six years in charge.
STAR MAN: Dominik Szoboszlai
Hungary’s captain had a fine start to life at Liverpool before getting injured and losing his form.
How Hungary attack
Hungary will slow things down in possession as they look to draw an opposition press.
From there, they will then tend to his a longer ball over the top of through the opposition defence.
How Hungary defend
Hungary will tend to split their press with three players engaging the opposition defence on the ball and the rest sitting deep.
When this is unsuccessful, it can lead to the opposition finding plenty of space to attack.
Read the full Hungary Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
