Head Injury Protocols Questioned at World Cup

The World Cup has thrown up many societal issues that are creating debate and discussion. One of those within matches is the immediate reaction to head injuries.

There have been two serious incidents in which accidental collisions have led to concussions occurring, with the reaction to one of those branded an ‘utter disgrace’ by brain injury charity Headway.

Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand was allowed to carry on after a sickening clash of heads with a teammate while clearing a cross. The goalkeeper required significant on-pitch treatment but still looked disorientated as he played on.

Then, minutes after the incident, he sank down and needed to be substituted.

Luke Griggs, Headway’s interim chief executive, said in a statement to PA Media: “It is an utter disgrace that the Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand was allowed to stay on the pitch. It was irrelevant that he came off a minute later. He shouldn’t have stayed on for a second, let alone a minute.

“He was clearly distressed and unfit to continue.

“This seems to be another case of the decision being by the player and not medical staff. This was the first test of the FIFA World Cup concussion protocol and it was an abject failure.”

In the Saudi Arabia win over Argentina in a later game, defender Yasser AlShahrani was kneed accidentally in the head by his own goalkeeper, leaving him unconscious on the floor.

The referee failed to halt the game immediately, before eventually stopping proceedings after the ball had been cleared.

Head injuries can lead to serious and debilitating long-term injuries that can have a huge impact on the day-to-day life of the person affected.

Wherever the accident occurs, if you weren’t at fault you could be eligible to make a personal injury claim for compensation to help with the transition to a future that was altered by serious injury.

Contact our team of specialists today for a no-obligation chat about your circumstances. We’re ready to help.

Call now

Share this article