Premier League sets tough new rules regarding head injuries
Players suspected of having lost consciousness during Premier League games will be compulsorily substituted under new rules on concussion published by the English Football Association on Tuesday.
After a number of cases last season and at the World Cup when players continued to play after taking heavy blows to the head, the FA has tightened up its procedures to reduce the risk of concussion.
A recent notable example was during the World Cup when Germany's midfielder Christoph Kramer had to be helped off the field.
Photo: AFP PHOTO
He had earlier smashed into the shoulder of Argentinean's Ezequiel Garay.
New Guidelines
The new guidelines state: “If there has been a confirmed or suspected period of loss of consciousness, the player must be removed from the field of play, and not be allowed to return.
“If there is any doubt as to the course of events, elucidation may be sought from officials or other players. In the event that there is video replay available pitch-side or in the players’ tunnel, this could be used to clarify the course of events.
“Where no loss of consciousness is apparent, an on-field or touchline assessment will take place.”
All Premier League matches must also feature a ‘tunnel doctor’, who will support teams’ medical staff in recognising the signs of concussion.
Previously, the FA’s rules stated that players who had sustained head injuries could resume playing if they received “clearance from a qualified medical practitioner”.
Concussion became a hot topic last season after Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris continued playing after appearing to momentarily lose consciousness during a game at Everton in November.
The France international looked dazed after being struck in the head by the knee of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, but he insisted on playing on.
Source: AFP
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