Christian Eriksen/ Fabrice Muamba, history repeating itself
As we all sat down to watch the game between Denmark and Finland, we were expecting an exciting game; what we didn’t expect was another reenactment of the Fabrice Muamba frightening episode we witnessed at White Hart Lane. Sadly I was at the first and saw the second on TV.
On March 17, 2012, Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest in the 41st minute of a televised FA Cup quarter-final clash between us and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane, as 30,000 fans in the stadium – and millions of people at home – watched on in disbelief. It is something that sticks into my mind to this day. So, watching the Eriksen collapse, my mind immediately went back to that Saturday, 9 years ago. Then the match was abandoned, with the score being 1-1. Muamba was rushed to the hospital. But what I also remember was the stillness of the crowd. It felt like the world stood still. Initially, we all were wondering what had happened, did another player hit him or something else?
We waited and waited, and the speculation continued, and eventually, we were told to go home. Then, finally, the true terrifying story unfolded. The game was replayed 10 days later, where we won 3-1. A year later, Eriksen joined our club. In that squad for that game (against Bolton), there were some stars playing for us; Bale, Crouch, Kane, Van Der Vaart etc. We eventually got to the semi Finals before being knocked out by the Russians.
Ironically enough, both players suffered roughly at the same time in both matches.
My son phoned me when it happened, as he knew that I was at the Muamba game all those years ago and was very concerned.
Luckily Maumba recovered and returned to White Hart Lane to thank the fans for their support. On this occasion and the referee’s quick reaction, players and medical staff contributed to Christian’s survival (thank God!).
Thoughts
Like the Muamba game, the quick response from everybody contributed to him still being alive. But I am sure people feared the worst. It is times like this you regard what is essential and what is more important than football – life! We all send our love and best wishes to Christian and his family. He was a great player for us and served us well. He will always be welcome at our new stadium.
Many years ago, I was lucky to meet him. I have very fond memories of him and his warm charm and, of course, witnessing some magic football on the field by him.
All the best, Glenn
My name is Glenn Renshaw.
I am currently a Premium Season Ticket holder (West Stand) in the new stadium. Before that – at White Hart Lane – a season ticket holder in various parts of the ground (mainly in the North stand).
Before becoming a season ticket holder, I stood on the shelf and various other parts of the ground since the 1960s (the season of the double). In 1987 I became one of the first to hold a Spurs Membership card. I was also a life long member of the Spurs supporters club (now defunct).
I go to all home, away and abroad matches.
I was born in 1955, Edgware, London. I currently live in Berkshire.
I also collect all Spurs books, Spurs handbooks, Spurs programmes etc.
Previously, I wrote for Spurs Fanzines: The Spur, Spur of the Moment, My Eyes have seen the Glory and various other Spurs fanzines’. I also wrote for the SpursWeb app & its website.
I currently write and work for spursnetwork.com and its website. I write its Reviews & Match reports and a lot more.
My other interests are; reading, history, social history, Politics, going to the gym, wine, going out for a meal, music (all sorts), writing, theatre, concerts, going on holidays, socialising etc.
I have been writing blogs/ articles since 1989
If you wish to read more of my blog, please click “here”
