Hitting the head on concussion subs rule

October 2 - UEFA have confirmed that concussion substitutes are not allowed in any of their competitions following an incident during the Women's Champions League clash between Arsenal and Manchester United. Ajax.

Arsenal and England striker Beth Mead was sent off late in the game following a header clash, after the Gunners had already used up their three-window allowance for substitutions during the game. match.

It initially appeared that a concussion substitution was in the works, only for Arsenal to be told by the referee that protocol is not in place in the competition.

Concussion substitutes will be allowed at the World Cup in Qatar later this year, with FIFA confirming that substitutions following head injuries will be allowed regardless of the number of substitutes or players. 'already used replacement intervals.

However, major European competitions such as the Champions League, Europa League and Nations League do not have such a provision, although UEFA tested the system at the U21 Euros. last year.

Brain injury charity Headway has criticized UEFA over the latest incident.

"Arsenal's team doctors followed UEFA's concussion protocols, they rightly prioritized their player's well-being and prepared a concussion substitute , it is disappointing that this replacement was not allowed on the pitch," said Luke Griggs, Headway UK's interim managing director. .

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