Robinson fumes over ‘absolutely ridiculous’ incident as Premier League demand answers from Aston Villa
Paul Robinson is fuming with the way in which Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s head injury was dealt with at Newcastle United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Spurs and England number one said “it is absolutely ridiculous” that the 30-year-old was allowed to continue.
As shown on BBC’s Match of the Day programme (29 October), Martinez received treatment for a head injury after colliding with Tyrone Mings.
The Argentina international tried to play on but was forced off in discomfort minutes later.
As reported by the Daily Mail (31 October), the Premier League want answers from Villa about why Martinez was allowed to play on at St. James’ Park.
Robinson believes neutral doctors and temporary substitutions are needed.
“It is absolutely ridiculous,” he told Football Insider.
“It would be so easy to get it right. Why can’t people see that?
“There needs to be a neutral doctor on the touchline who is there specifically for head injuries. The neutral doctor would make an assessment on the field and if he wants to further assess the player in the dressing room a temporary substitution would be allowed.
“Club physios and doctors are under pressure. They are paid by the club and they want their team to win and their players to perform. A doctor will sit there and tell you until he is blue in the face that he has the players’ best interests are at heart. Not everyone is neutral though.
“It has to be an independent doctor who makes the decision on medical grounds only.”
In other news, an ex-Premier League referee has issued a ‘100%’ claim as Ashley Young fumes at Aston Villa controversy.