Ex-Premier League referee issues game-changing claim as authorities respond to Leeds United plea
Leeds United and Chelsea are right the football authorities are not taking concussion seriously enough, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee delivered his verdict after IFAB confirmed earlier this month (13 June) that current trials will be extended for a further year.
Currently, teams are allowed one extra substitute if a player has suspected concussion but there were calls to introduce temporary replacements instead.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this year (21 February) that both Leeds and Chelsea, along with other Premier League clubs, believe the current system is not fit for purpose and had written to the IFAB to urge them to introduce temporary substitutes.
It came after Robin Koch played on after suffering a head injury and playing on during the 4-2 loss to Man United at Elland Road (20 February).
“First of all, at the moment it’s not working,” Hackett told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“Whatever the experts say, the IFAB and Fifa have the opportunity to consult with absolutely top-level consultants.
“We have to take concussion more seriously in the game than it is at the moment.
“We’ve got to say therre’s something bigger than the game when a player is concussed. We’ve got to do what rugby do and say ‘Right, you’re coming off’.
Asked whether an independent medical advisor should be at grounds to help judge whether a player is concussed, Hackett said: “Yes, absolutely and the Premier League supply one.
“Where it’s difficult is when these things cascade down to the grassroots level.
“It’s the same. The game has a responsibility for the safety of those that participate. We’ve become more aware of the damage that can be caused.
“The FA and the governing bodies have already reacted in terms of youngsters heading the ball. There are some competitions in America where heading the ball is not allowed.
“People say ‘It changes the face of the game’. Of course it does but if it means kids and players are not going to be suffering further in life, as we have seen with allegations that dementia and various brain diseases are due to heading then I think the game is taking the right approach.”
In other news, Aston Villa and West Ham have tabled bids for a Leeds United player.