Ex-Fifa official demands Premier League law change after Emiliano Martinez controversy at Aston Villa
The Premier League need to introduce temporary concussion substitutes after Emiliano Martinez tried to play on with a head injury as Aston Villa lost 4-0 to Newcastle United on Saturday (29 October).
That is the view of ex-Premier League and Fifa referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider as he also called on independent doctors to assess head injuries.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme, Martinez received treatment after he came together with Tyrone Mings.
The 30-year-old tried to play on but was forced off when he stayed down after collecting a routine low cross.
“The clubs have got to recognise they have a duty of care towards their players,” Hackett told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“They want to win the game but that’s incidental to the health and safety of the players.
“It’s easy to comment afterwards but surely the medical team are skilled enough to recognise he comes off?
“The Premier League already supply an independent doctor to every Premier League game. When we have a head injury sustained, I want that doctor to be part of that examination.
“I don’t want the physio and doctor of the club influenced by the pressures of the manager who wants to keep him on. I want him to be examined by a doctor.
“The outcome of that is, when a player receives a head injury, it is very easy to bring a temporary substitute on, just like in rugby. Get the player out of the scene, examine him, do a test and then determine.
“At the moment, football has got it wrong and needs to resolve the issue very quickly.
“I think the PFA have got to get involved here. They have a duty to their members.
“When we see that happening, it is not good for the game because it puts Martinez at risk.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has issued a “£444million” reveal as Aston Villa are to back Unai Emery to the hilt.