City slammed by mind harm charity over Ederson therapy

A brain injury charity has criticised Manchester City for not immediately substituting Ederson following his sickening clash with Tottenham‘s Cristian Romero.

The City goalkeeper suffered a nasty bang to the head in a second-half collision with Spurs defender Romero during Tuesday’s Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

After receiving lengthy medical treatment on the pitch, Ederson was initially deemed fit to play on. But a few minutes later, the Brazilian was replaced by Stefan Ortega, who produced a string of important saves in his side’s crucial 1-0 win.

City boss Pep Guardiola later defended his club’s conduct, insisting Ederson did not have concussion but a problem with his eye.

However, leading brain injury association Headway believe City should have taken their No1 keeper out of the firing line straight away regardless – and have renewed their calls for the introduction of temporary concussion subs.

Cristian Romero collided with Ederson but the City goalkeeper got up and played on before being taken off

There were concerns for Ederson’s welfare but the Brazilian remained on the pitch for several minutes

‘The fundamental principle of any concussion protocol is ‘If in doubt, sit it out’,’ said Luke Griggs, chief executive of Headway.

‘The concern from players of both teams in the immediate aftermath of the injury, as well as from the medical team and the fact a stretcher was brought onto the pitch, would suggest a clear concern for Ederson’s wellbeing.

‘The fact that he was not immediately removed would suggest a concussion was not suspected. This is hard to understand especially as symptoms can be delayed in their presentation.

‘While we were relieved to see the player taken off a few minutes later, it is hard to fathom why this was not an immediate decision.

‘It is yet another example of when a temporary concussion substitute would have been helpful.

‘Ederson’s angry reaction is no surprise given the competitive nature of players who want to take part in massive games like this one, though his reaction underscores the need to take such decisions out of the players’ hands.’