PFA says concussion rules must be addressed ‘urgently’ to avoid ‘serious’ injury | Football News

The Skilled Footballers’ Affiliation has renewed requires the introduction of momentary concussion substitutes after recent controversy over the weekend.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez took a heavy blow to the top in an unintentional collision with team-mate Tyrone Mings within the first half of his aspect’s 4-0 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday, however initially stayed on after prolonged remedy earlier than being changed shortly after.

The incident provoked recent debate over head harm protocols, and the PFA has now mentioned present guidelines are placing gamers at “severe danger”.

Dr Adam White, head of the PFA’s mind well being division, mentioned: “Put merely, the present legal guidelines of the sport are jeopardising participant well being and security.

“Everlasting substitutions don’t enable medical groups to evaluate a participant with a doubtlessly severe mind harm in an applicable surroundings. The principles as they’re create a particularly difficult scenario and provide no help to
medical personnel.”

In December 2020, the Worldwide Soccer Affiliation Board launched a trial of everlasting concussion substitutes – not counting in direction of a aspect’s substitute restrict.

The Premier League, the Soccer Affiliation and English Soccer League subsequently adopted the rule completely throughout all skilled competitions – a transfer extensively welcomed on the time.

However the PFA continues to push for the introduction of momentary concussion substitutes, which might enable medical workers longer to evaluate potential accidents earlier than making a choice on whether or not or not a participant must be completely changed.

The gamers’ union additionally expressed alarm that European governing physique UEFA is but to combine the everlasting concussion substitute rule into main competitions together with the Champions League, Europa League and Nations League.

White added: “This example must be addressed urgently. As a naked minimal UEFA, as one in all soccer’s main our bodies, should lead by instance and introduce the obtainable everlasting concussion substitution rule. This is a matter the PFA will probably be elevating with UEFA instantly.”

Villa’s determination to initially maintain Martinez on was closely criticised on Saturday.

Caretaker boss Aaron Danks mentioned: “We have got very skilled medical workers, that they had been on and assessed him and he was OK to proceed.

“Then, clearly issues have modified or there was a delayed onset of one thing that has meant that he is needed to come off.”