Guardiola calling for clarity on concussion protocol
City boss says current protocols are too vague
Manchester City’s manager wants more clarity when it comes to concussion protocol.
This follows a frightening head clash between Raul Jimenez and David Luiz on Sunday when Wolves faced Arsenal.
Speaking ahead of his side’s match with FC Porto Pep Guardiola said:
“Hopefully Raul Jimenez and David Luiz find they are well and I have heard that Raul Jimenez has had an operation so that hopefully has gone well.
“This is the most important thing because with head injuries you have to be careful. I don’t know the protocols, some of them say you have to be nearly out (unconscious), some of them say no so it should be clear.”
The group Headway, a brain injury association charity is calling for urgent action concerning player head injuries.
Following Sunday’s incident, Luiz returned to the game briefly before being replaced at half-time.
The question Headway is wondering is would Luiz have been cleared to continue if concussion substitutes were in place?
Headway’s deputy chief executive, Luke Griggs says: “Too often in football, we see players returning to the pitch having undergone a concussion assessment – only to be withdrawn a few minutes later when it is clear that they are not fit to continue.
“That is the very reason why we urgently need temporary concussion substitutes in football.”
Jimenez suffered a skull fracture in the collision and underwent an operation in the hospital.
It’s unknown the significance of his injury or how long the Mexican will be out. (JSL)