Derby vs Birmingham halted as Henrik Meister stretchered off in Championship clash

Derby County’s Championship fixture against Birmingham City at Pride Park was halted for approximately seven minutes on Saturday after forward Henrik Meister went down with no contact involved, prompting medical staff to rush onto the pitch.

The 22-year-old Danish striker, on loan from Serie B side Pisa, collapsed in the 47th minute — just after the restart following the half-time break. Medical staff took considerable time to stabilise Meister’s neck before placing him on a stretcher. He was applauded by supporters in all four corners of the ground as he was carried off the pitch and taken straight down the tunnel.

Meister was replaced by Oscar Fraulo in the 54th minute once play resumed.

The incident came in the immediate aftermath of a dramatic opening to the second half. Derby had taken the lead just before the interval when Bobby Clark finished from a tight angle after being set up by Sammie Smodics. That advantage lasted only two minutes, however, with Birmingham levelling through Carlos Vicente following a Liam Millar cross.