Wales boss Robert Page has defended the decision to let Neco Williams play after the full-back suffered a head injury in the World Cup loss to England.
Williams fell to the pitch after blocking Marcus Rashford’s 24th-minute shot with the top of his head.
The Nottingham Forest defender continued for another 12 minutes before being replaced by Connor Roberts.
“Neco took a hit to the head, so there are protocols in place, understandably, with a concussion,” Page said.
“He passed the initial test. We followed Fifa’s guidelines.”
After his first treatment, the Wales defender was rated for the second time after sitting out on the grass at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
Page said Williams was cleared to continue after passing Fifa’s concussion test.
Brain injury charity Headway criticized the handling of the incident, saying ‘once again doctors have no options’ and also called for the introduction of a temporary concussion rule .
Luke Griggs, Acting Managing Director of Headway, said: “This is the second incident at this World Cup where a player’s brain health has not been prioritised.
“Doctors are forced to make quick judgments under pressure, which allows players to stay on the pitch despite the supposed presence of at least some doubt of a possible concussion.
“Fifa and Ifab’s refusal to introduce a temporary concussion replacement rule puts players at undue risk. The rule is meant to be ‘when in doubt, sit still’ not ‘play and see’ How’s it going “.
“The more Fifa and Ifab refuse to act, the less credibility they will have in discussing brain health in football.
“Their complacency on brain health is frankly shocking, it’s time to take control of this situation and deal with the players.”
Former England captain Alan Shearer has called for the introduction of temporary concussion replacements earlier in the World Cup after a head injury suffered by Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, while Jermaine Jenas called the incident “unacceptable”.
