Luke Griggs, Interim chief Executive of Headway, said: “Despite numerous warnings and stark research findings, sport in general is still failing to deal with head injuries in a way that remains true to the principle of ‘if in doubt, sit it out!’.
“The recent high-profile NFL incident involving Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa provided the world of sport with a graphic reminder of the risks of returning to play too soon following a concussive episode. We continue to see decisions being made that are hard to fathom and seemingly inconsistent with the safety-first approach enshrined in concussion protocols.
“When a player fails to use their arms to protect themselves when falling, as appears to be the case with Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, and then lies prone on the ground without moving, surely there is at least some doubt as to whether a concussion has been sustained?
“The Arsenal medics were given just three minutes to come to the conclusion that Jesus showed no signs of concussion – an evolving condition. Had they had at their disposal the option of a longer assessment in the dressing room under a temporary concussion substitute rule and had the opportunity to watch the footage millions of us at home saw, one wonders if a different conclusion may have been reached.”
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