Footballers should be removed from play if they
lose consciousness, say the world players' union
Fifpro and the Professional Footballers'
Association.
Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris was allowed to carry on
after being knocked out in Sunday's 0-0 draw with
Everton.
"If anyone suffers severe trauma to the head and loses
consciousness, they should be required to leave the
field," said the PFA's John Bramall.
The Football Association says a player can continue if
assessed by a doctor.
Lloris briefly lost consciousness after colliding with
striker Romelu Lukaku late on in the match at
Goodison Park and was assessed on the pitch before
continuing.
Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas said he believed Lloris
looked capable of continuing and the French
international later underwent a CT scan, showing no
signs of concussion.
"This decision is unacceptable," said Fifpro medical
advisor Vincent Gouttebarge.
"Fifpro condemns that the health and safety of players
are left to coaches, trainers or even to players
themselves.
"Medical professionals should be aware of any relevant
medical guidelines and apply them in order to
empower the health and safety on the field."
Fifpro urged all clubs to follow guidelines laid out by
sport medicine groups in Zurich last year, which called
for the removal of a player from the field if they were
showing a loss of consciousness.
Fifa's chief medical officer, Professor Jiri Dvorak, also
said Lloris should have been substituted, in accordance
with the world governing body's guidelines.
"The decision was not right," added Dvorak.
"We have a very clear recommendation for doctors if
concussion occurs or even if there is a strong suspicion
of concussion then the player should be taken out of
the play.
"This injury could have led to more severe
complications."
Bramall added: "It is important to take the pressure off
the players, club medical staff, and the manager -
removing the need for them to make a very difficult
decision.
"The PFA will continue to work with the stakeholders
within the game, to evaluate what guidelines are
currently in place and to see if and how they need to
be improved."
In rugby union, Dr Barry O'Driscoll resigned from his
role as medical advisor to the International Rugby
Board in October following concerns about the
treatment of concussion.
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