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World Cup semifinal brings soccer’s concussion problem into focus
It’s not a World Cup without several shocking scenes that highlight how little FIFA really cares about concussions.
This year’s international competition has already been criticized for incidents where players dazed players were “treated” for head-first collisions with being slapped and sprayed with water in the face.
Now, Tuesday’s semifinal match between France and Belgium has led to another ridiculous mishandling of an obvious on-field head injury.
Why are we surprised anymore?! Christoph Kramer in 2014 #WorldCup final didn’t wake anyone up why would it now?! The arrogance from FIFA on this injury is a straight “middle finger” to every player. Simply pathetic. 🤷🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/R62LVRnzUF
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) July 10, 2018
Late in the game, France’s Blaise Matuidi took a hard hit to the head during an in-air collision with Belgium’s Eden Hazard. Matuidi immediately fell to the ground, clearly dazed and was taken off the field.
If the story ended there, all would be well. Injuries happen during games, and FIFA has a six-step concussion protocol that mandates players be removed from a game after an apparent concussion for a health assessment.
This player was sent back onto a World Cup field after a <2-minute evaluation:https://t.co/dkWtT7olxt pic.twitter.com/NuqKGGqHRj
— Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) July 10, 2018
However, Matuidi was back on the field after just a short moment, where he played for less than a minute before collapsing again. Only then was he substituted out of the game. On the way, cameras caught Matuidi attempting to squirt water in his mouth but missing, which was seen by many as more evidence of his concussed state.
Well cheeky from Matuidi he knew exactly what he’s doing with the water bottle 💦 😂 pic.twitter.com/2bAMw8uc6c
— Corry (@CorrigantheJock) July 10, 2018
The incident caused widespread criticism, especially across Twitter. Several prominent advocates shared video of the ordeal while calling for better enforcement.
#FIFA #WorldCup2018 @ConcussionLF #concussion alert:
France's Blaise Matuidi was involved in a collision & taken to the sideline. Docs evaluated him for a whole 2 minutes before clearing him to return.
He lasted less than 2 minutes before collapsing.
I'm very tired of this. pic.twitter.com/Bw8sn8etTs
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) July 10, 2018
As many have noted, both the shocking incidents in this year’s World Cup should have been prevented entirely by FIFA’s concussion protocol. There should have been no question that Matuidi needed to be thoroughly evaluated after the collision. Any concussion assessment would not have allowed him back on the field.
But, France did not have a sub available to replace Matuidi. The team decided it was better to put his health at risk to maintain their lead and proceed to the final. Unfortunately, this is the norm in soccer. Until FIFA decides to take actual steps to enforce their own concussion protocols, neglecting concussions will be the standard response.
