It could become an obscure pub quiz question of the future
Who was the first concussion substitute to be used in English football?
Answer: West Ham’s Ryan Fredericks
Last night Fredericks became the first-ever concussion substitute to be used in English football after replacing West Ham team-mate Issa Diop.
The French centre-back clashed heads with compatriot Anthony Martial in the first half of the Hammers’ fifth-round FA Cup tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Clubs competing in the Emirates FA Cup fifth round were able to make additional permanent concussion substitutions for the first time.
Following extensive consultation with medical experts and national associations to find ways to improve management of possible neurological head injuries in football matches, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved trials to use additional permanent concussion substitutes (APCS).
The same rule was introduced to the Premier League last Saturday but last night become the first time the rule was used by an English club.