The decision to allow Issa Diop back onto the pitch after just two minutes of being assessed for a concussion injury has been slammed by an expert in the field.
Peter McCabe, chief executive of the brain charity Headway, said: ‘The decision to allow Issa Diop to return to the field of play after being assessed for concussion in just two minutes while still on the pitch shows just how deeply flawed this new protocol is.
‘When this rule was introduced to much fanfare, we warned that it would make very little difference in terms of protecting players from the risk of more serious injury.
‘Had the FA followed the advice of Headway and other leading experts by introducing temporary substitutes, as successfully used in other sports, Diop would not have been at risk of exacerbating the injury to his brain during the seven minutes he was allowed to play on before half time.
‘The new protocol has failed its very first test. FIFA and IFAB must act now to alter the rule and introduce temporary concussion substitutes to avoid such unacceptable risk being taken in the future.’
Diop was eventually replaced at half-time by Ryan Fredericks with the permanent concussion substitute rules now in place.
ClaretandHugh says: It really is difficult to understand why the Premier League should choose not to take on board the advice of a charity which has been dealing in a problem which comes new to football officialdom. Of course it’s a great idea to ensure ultimate safety levels and the concussion rule, in essence, is a very good one. But surely the plan should have been to discuss the way forward with all those who have been dealing in these issues for years. We understand that Issa has actually been left with no more than a swollen head – if you will excuse the expression. but it’s hard – even as laymen – not to agree with Headway’s chief executive that two minutes is hardly long enough to check such critical issues
Agree with what you say. But how come no criticism of Man utd for allowing Martial to play on. He had a bad knock too.
If the new procedure isn’t doing what its meant to be doing then it needs to be changed.
I won’t lie, When I first heard of the new system, the first thing that came into my head was, how long will it take teams going to trycheat this system.
Rugby’s temp subs are the way it will turn out at a guess. You will see teams using them when they shouldnt. But it will just be part of the game, like diving.
Wouldn’t expect an expert to say anything different. Experts also say that Michail Antonio is overweight. They say that being overweight can lead to many unhealthy outcomes. A suggestion to protect Michail from these threats to his life and health would be for him to gain height by around seven inches. Next patient please.
COYI
I THINK YOU HAVE MISSED THE POINT COMPLETELY – WE ARE TALKING BRAIN DAMAGE
Just think the expert opinion is highly predictable.
‘When this rule was introduced to much fanfare, we warned that it would make very little difference in terms of protecting players from the risk of more serious injury.’
The solution is not to play games like football. Not a realistic solution. Interesting piece Hugh.
COYI
Two minutes to check a brain injury? I don’t think that needs much working out. I’ll trust those who are experienced
Sean reports Wee Davey saying “I am sure not every head knock should lead to concussion or a big discussion about it. It is a little bit in fashion that people are bringing it to attention.”
His opinion. He might need telling about checking brain injuries. Do him a favour and let him know, Hugh.
COYI