In a match on 13 October, James stayed motionless on the ground following a challenge by Croatia’s Domagoj Vida, with his manager later admitting that the player was ‘fine’ and ‘just using his nous’.
Responding to Giggs’ statement that he was disappointed in the charity’s criticism, Headway Chief Executive Peter McCabe said: “I am surprised that Ryan Giggs has chosen to revisit this issue and put the player and himself under further scrutiny.
“Concussion is too serious an issue to allow play acting and feigning injury to go unchallenged. Head injuries must always be taken seriously.
“Our criticism was aimed squarely at Daniel James and Ryan Giggs. At no point did we criticise the medical team, who followed the protocol and did their job. Indeed, we described their actions in treating Ethan Ampadu in the same game as exemplary.
“This incident is not about the medical team. It’s about a player and a manager setting a poor example and in doing so jeopardising the introduction of concussion substitutes.
“Those opposed to this measure to protect the health and safety of players have suggested that teams may abuse the system for tactical advantage. The behaviour on show on 13 October lends credence to that argument.”Back
