BRAIN INJURY CHARITY Headway has demanded action from Uefa after Switzerland defender Fabian Schar was allowed to play on having suffered a concussion.
The Newcastle United man was knocked unconscious as he clashed heads with Jemal Tabidze early in Saturday’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Georgia in Tbilisi.
Despite requiring treatment for an extended period, during which time Jano Ananidze reportedly prevented Schar from swallowing his tongue, the defender was permitted to continue playing.
Schar had a key role in both goals in a 2-0 win, but Headway is furious that an “incredibly dangerous” risk was taken with the player’s wellbeing.
Charity chief Peter McCabe said: “What is it going to take to make football take concussion seriously?
How many more players will have their careers and, more importantly, their lives and long-term health put at risk by the sport’s inability to follow its own protocols?
“Put simply, the decision to allow Fabian Schar to return to the field of play after suffering a clear concussion was not only incredibly dangerous, but also a clear dereliction of duty.
“The player’s comments after the match are also deeply disturbing and again show the lack of awareness and understanding among players.
“Uefa must immediately launch an investigation into the incident and explain why their protocols were not followed.”
Upon seeing footage of the incident, Schar told Blick after the match: “It looks awful. I can’t remember anything. I was out for a few seconds.
My skull is still humming and I’ve got neck ache and a bruise on my forehead, but it was worth it.”
Following the incident, Schar has been withdrawn from the Switzerland squad as they prepare to host Denmark in the Republic of Ireland’s Group D on Tuesday.
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Switzerland should have points deducted for that !
Ireland did the same thing against Denmark last year, Calum O’Dowda took one to the head and as he was walking off the field it was obvious he was sparkoe. Came back on and played the last ten minutes of the first half before being hooked at half time. Seems to be a recurrent issue in soccer where head injuries aren’t taken seriously but if someone gets an owie on their big tow they send out an ambulance!
Newcastle should take action if hes not fit to assist in the relegation battle
Continuing to play after receiving a concussion can considerably lengthen the time it takes a player to recover, not to mention the more serious issue of sustaining another head injury with potentially severe health consequences.
https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2016/08/29/well/move/playing-with-a-concussion-doubles-recovery-time.amp.html
I remember watching an LOI match before and Brian Kerr on commentary was bemoaning the fact that the players can’t decide for themselves whether they’re fit to play or not
maybe headway should get fifa to ban heading the ball aswell.