Monday, 4th November, 2013
Tottenham Hotspur's decision to allow goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to allow playing despite a severe-looking collision has been slammed as "wrong and dangerous".
Lloris took a blow to head from Romelu Lukaku's knee when the Frenchman attempted to smother the ball during yesterday's goalless draw between Spurs and Everton.
Lloris needed extensive attention on the pitch and was slated to come off with Brad Friedel to replace him. However, the shot-stopper insisted on continuing and eventually completed the game.
Brain injury charity Headway have criticised manager Andre Villas-Boas' praise for Lloris – "he showed great character and personality" – and claim staying on may have worsened the injury.
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"When a player – or any individual – suffers a blow to the head that is severe enough for them to lose consciousness, it is vital they urgently seek appropriate medical attention," Headway spokesperson Luke Griggs was quoted by the BBC as saying.
"A physio or doctor treating a player on pitch simply cannot accurately gauge the severity of the damage caused to the player's brain in such a setting as there may be delayed presentation of symptoms.
"By continuing to play, the player may have caused greater damage to his brain. He should have been removed from the game immediately and taken to hospital for thorough tests and observation.
"Sports science has evolved significantly over the past decade and yet we're still faced with the antiquated concept that a player should be brave and try to continue at all costs.
"Mr Villas-Boas' comment that his player's determination to play on was proof of his 'great character and personality' is simply wrong and dangerous."
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