Charity slams lack of temporary concussion subs after Bournemouth collision

A brain injury charity has criticised the Premier League for ignoring temporary concussion substitutes after two Bournemouth players clashed in a 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

Adam Smith and Tyler Adams clashed heads at speed early in the 4-0 defeat, with only Smith substituted while Adams completed the full 90 minutes.

Headway UK said the incident highlighted football’s “unfathomable refusal” to introduce temporary substitutions that would allow players to be examined more thoroughly off the pitch while a replacement takes their place.

Chief executive Luke Griggs told Daily Mail Sport: “The fact that this incident occurred between two team-mates is a reminder of just how easily a brain injury can be sustained on the football pitch, and we wish Adam Smith a speedy recovery from his concussion.”

“It is clear from reactions of players and fans that they recognised the potential severity of the clash of heads.

“But whilst it is encouraging that a cautious approach was taken in withdrawing Adam from the game, many fans were left questioning the decision to leave his team-mate Adams on the pitch.”

Currently, football uses permanent concussion substitutions where players leave the field permanently if suspected of head injury.

However, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has resisted introducing temporary substitutions that would allow more time for assessment.

Under the temporary system, a substitute would replace the injured player while medical staff conduct thorough examinations in the changing room. The original player could return if cleared.

“This incident once again highlights the challenges medics face in making immediate concussion assessments on the pitch,” Griggs continued.

“Factors such as the intense pressure and scrutiny of having to make on-pitch diagnoses, particularly with the evolving nature of traumatic brain injuries, make this task extremely difficult.”

“This exacerbated by football’s unfathomable refusal to improve the situation by introducing temporary concussion substitutes.”

“Temporary concussion substitutes would not only be in the best interests of players, giving medics more time in a better environment to assess for a potential brain injury, but also give reassurance to team-mates and fans that welfare of players is paramount.”

The Premier League previously expressed disappointment when IFAB declined to approve a trial of temporary concussion substitutes at their 2023 annual meeting.

At the time, the Premier League stated they were “convinced it should go ahead at the earliest possible opportunity in the interests of player welfare”.