Bren backs fresh bid to end head injury hell

by MicHael gaNNoN BRENDAN RODGERS has backed PFA Scotland’s push to make concussion subs a permanent fixture in football.

The game’s lawmakers International Football Association Board (IFAB) meet at Loch Lomond today for talks that will also include proposals for blue cards and sin bins.

Players unions across the continent are determined to force discussions around head injuries up the agenda amid concerns progress around the issue is stalling.

Current trial rules around concussion subs have been going for three years but PFA Scotland want to chisel the legislation into the rulebook.

And Celtic boss Rodgers said: “I see the sense in it. Anything that goes some way to helping protect the welfare of players I would agree with.”

PFA Scotland chief executive Fraser Wishart is

SaFeTy FiRST Wishart looking to push the issue this weekend and convince IFAB to roll out new global laws to protect players.

He said: “We have seen first hand in Scotland the successful trial of permanent substitutes which were an important step forward in player welfare.

“Unfortunately, there are still instances of players being put back on the field of play after the quick on-field assessment, only to then have to be replaced later in the game.

“Having temporary substitutes would allow the experts more time to assess the injury to the player.”

Wishart added: “The Scottish FA has taken some positive steps in the area of concussion. Heading has been banned for younger children and in the pro game training exercises involving a lot of heading are limited. We hope the Scottish FA and IFAB can allow us to participate in the extended trial.”