SUTTON: PERMANENT CONCUSSION SUBS IS WRONG OPTION

THE trial of permanent concussion substitutions agreed by the Premier League is ‘not the right thing’, according to Chris Sutton. Yesterday, top-flight clubs signed off the introduction of two additional replacements per game, and will report their findings to lawmakers the International Football Association Board (IFAB). However, experts have criticised the move, feeling it does little to address the issue. Dr Willie Stewart, whose groundbreaking, ongoing study has highlighted an increased instance of neurodegenerative diseases in ex-players, has previously declared the move would ‘not make a blind bit of difference’. The issue, some feel, is that temporary substitutions, as used in other sports such as rugby, allow experts time to assess the injured party properly, before making a call on whether they can return to action. Permanent substitutions, they say, will continue to see snap decisions made and may reduce the likelihood of a player admitting they have an issue when they know that they will not get back on. ‘They are going against what a lot of medical experts have said,’ explained Sutton (right). ‘At least they are doing something but it’s not the right thing. The upside of temporary substitutions is that the independent doctor can check a player thoroughly for however long it takes.’ Sutton believes permanent substitutions may cause a problem. ‘I don’t wish any ill against Harry Kane but say it’s the last game of the season and Spurs are going for the title,’ he explained. ‘He’s involved in an incident after five minutes. Is he then going to flag that up, knowing that if he does he won’t get back on the field? I know what I was like when I played and I wouldn’t have done, especially when I was younger.’ IFAB say they have acted following consultation with key stakeholders and concussion experts. However, they failed to respond to a request for both information on the make-up of both groups and any evidence that led them to decide to trial permanent rather than temporary substitutions. NORWICH extended their lead at the top of the Sky Bet

Championship to seven points as Jordan Hugill scored twice in a 2-0 home win against Bristol City. Hugill struck in either half in a routine victory for Daniel Farke’s side, who have taken maximum points in eight of their last 10 league matches. City remain ninth in the table. Brentford climbed three places up to third in the table after beating Luton 1-0 at home thanks to Saman Ghoddos’ first-half header. Iran international Ghoddos headed home Ivan Toney’s 14th-minute cross as the Bees extended their unbeaten league run to 16 games.

CIARAN Clark has signed a two-year contract extension at Newcastle United. The Ireland defender, 31, has made 103 appearances for the Magpies since he signed from Aston Villa in 2016.