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Hugo Lloris argues with medical staff after taking a concussive blow to the head. Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

PFA demand that all concussed players be automatically substituted

The club’s medical staff could not convince their goalkeeper to come off after he was temporarily knocked out.

SPURS HAVE BEEN on the receiving end of criticism from FIFA, the Professional Footballers Association and a brain injury charity for allowing goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to play on after he was knocked out.

The French international was knocked unconscious after taking a concussive, accidental blow to the head by Everton striker Romelu Lukaku. He received treatment on and off-field and Spurs prepared substitute Brad Friedel to take his place.

Lloris recovered sufficiently to argue for his reinstatement and made a fine, sprawling save in the closing stages. There has been a negative reaction, however, to the club allowing their player to finish out the game.

FIFA’s chief medical officer Professor Jiri Dvorak told Sky Sports News: “The player should have been substituted. The fact the other player needed ice on his knee means it’s obvious the blow was extensive. It’s a 99% probability that losing consciousness in such an event will result in concussion.”

PFA deputy chief executive John Bramhall also waded into the debate. He declared, “When treating a player on pitch, it can be very difficult to determine the severity of a head injury. It is important to take the pressure off the players, club medical staff, and the manager – removing the need for them to make a very difficult decision.

“If anyone suffers a severe trauma to the head and loses consciousness, then they should be required to leave the field of play automatically.”

YouTube credit: FOOTBALL@MUNDIAL

Spurs, today, confirmed that Lloris had passed medical checks after the club’s 0 — 0 draw. A club statement read, ” The club can confirm that Hugo Lloris underwent a precautionary CT scan and was given the all-clear and travelled back to London last night.”

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Spurs criticised for ‘irresponsible’ behaviour after Lloris injury

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