After Wales defender Neco Williams was initially permitted to continue playing despite suffering a head injury, Alan Shearer has advocated for the immediate implementation of temporary concussion substitutes.
In the opening period of the Group B match in Qatar, full-back Williams was knocked out and collapsed to the ground after stopping a thunderous Marcus Rashford shot with the top of his head.
The 21-year-old Nottingham Forest player Neco Williams continued after receiving treatment on the field and was ultimately replaced by Connor Roberts.
Soccer
Brain injury charity Headway criticised the handling of the incident, while former England captain Shearer called on the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to enact prompt change.
“It has to come,” Shearer, speaking on BBC One, said of temporary subs.
“I would say to IFAB, ‘what on earth are you waiting for?’ because everyone is under pressure then to make a decision.
“On the field, physiotherapists and physicians are working to buy some more time.
“In order to avoid being under extreme pressure on the field, they should be allowed to take him off for 10 minutes, evaluate him, bring someone on, and then make their decision there (it would be an improvement).
“Who knows what the IFAB is holding out for. Act right now.”
Williams was evaluated by medical personnel at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium after being knocked out by Rashford’s stunning attempt, but he did not immediately leave the field despite his discomfort.
