“The fact that this incident occurred between two teammates is a reminder of just how easily a brain injury can be sustained on the football pitch, and we wish Adam Smith a speedy recovery from his concussion.
“It is clear from reactions of players and fans that they recognised the potential severity of the clash of heads. But whilst it is encouraging that a cautious approach was taken in withdrawing Adam from the game, many fans were left questioning the decision to leave his teammate Adams on the pitch.
“This incident once again highlights the challenges medics face in making immediate concussion assessments on the pitch. Factors such as the intense pressure and scrutiny of having to make on-pitch diagnoses, particularly with the evolving nature of traumatic brain injuries, make this task extremely difficult.
“This exacerbated by football’s unfathomable refusal to improve the situation by introducing temporary concussion substitutes.
“Temporary concussion substitutes would not only be in the best interests of players, giving medics more time in a better environment to assess for a potential brain injury, but also give reassurance to teammates and fans that welfare of players is paramount.”
Further information on concussion
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