Robin Koch: Leeds United employee demands law change after club statement
Noel Whelan has called for a review of the protocol for head injuries after an incident involving Leeds United’s Robin Koch.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Whites ambassador said decision making needs to be taken out of the players’ hands.
Koch was given the green light to play on despite a heavy collision with Man United midfielder Scott McTominay last Sunday (20 February).
However, the centre-half was forced off with concussion symptoms just 18 minutes later.
In a statement (21 February), Leeds revealed Koch “passed all of the on-field concussion screening tests” before continuing.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Russell Edge for his assessment of the protocols, Whelan said: “They probably do need to review it.
“We need to realise the damage it could cause to players. It can impact players in the future. We have seen a lot about dementia.
“We also need players to be honest. When you are out there you don’t want to come off. Players are never going to say, ‘Yeah, take me off.’ That is where the problem lies.
“It could be taken out of the players hands with a new law or regulation. I don’t think any player will ask to come off. It’s credit to them for wanting to play. But that’s why we need a new law because players will always be brave and want to help their teammates.
“We need to do the right thing for their health.”
In other news, a pundit has claimed a Leeds United star could agree an exit ‘at any moment’ after Phil Hay latest.