Fabio was assessed by club doctors following an aerial clash with City’s Leroy Fer in the 65th minute. As medical staff attended to him, it became apparent that the Middlesbrough defender was showing signs of concussion.
Despite protests from the player, the medical team followed the Football Association’s concussion protocols and stopped the left-back from returning to play.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said: “Concussion protocols are there for a reason, that being to protect players - often from themselves.
“There are significant risks in returning to the field of play after sustaining a concussion. If a player sustains another blow to the head before the brain has had a chance to recover from the initial concussion, the damage can be exacerbated.
“The decision by Middlesbrough’s medical staff not to let Fabio return to play should be applauded.”
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