VARANE HEADS DRIVE

RAPHAEL VARANE has been praised for “raising awareness” on concussion.

And experts warned it must help drive a culture change in football.

Players are being told to do a “maximum of 10 higher force headers” in training each week as part of a major drive into the dangers of brain injury.

Manchester

United defender Varane (inset) revealed he pulled out of a game this season after flagging up symptoms of concussion and has urged other players not to be afraid to do the same.

The players’ union, the Professional Footballers’ Association, has a Brain Health Team which offers support to former members and their families living with dementia.

But they also go into clubs on a regular basis to speak to current players about dangers and how to prevent future problems. It is led by Dr Adam White and supported by Dawn Astle and Rachel Walden – who are daughters of players who died of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) – along with two ex-players.

Former Manchester United keeper David Ryan and ex-Bath City striker Alex Fletcher, who joined the Brain Health Team 12 months after suffering a near-fatal head injury, are able to put across a powerful message to players at all levels.

Dr White said: “Prominent players like Raphael Varane raising awareness about the risks of heading and head injuries is significant.

“Players, management staff and medical teams have a responsibility to work together to ensure players’ long-term welfare and health.

“To help create that culture within the game, the PFA has a dedicated Brain Health Team that delivers education to players at clubs nationwide.”