Euro 2020 Head Injuries

Head Injuries in Sport 

Like it or loath it, TV schedules are currently packed with Euro 2020 matches, commentary, and advertising.  Whilst Euro 2020 is under the spotlight the short and long-term health of players is also under scrutiny following the recent head injuries of a handful of Euro 2020 footballers, leaving lessons to be learnt for the football industry. 

Pavard, Baumgartner, and Danilo’s recent head injury incidents in the Euro 2020 ‘s highlight that there is still much to be done to protect those in sport. This is despite UEFA introducing a Euro 2020 Concussion Charter- ‘as a further step towards protecting the health of players’, with the charter stating that “We confirm that if a player of our team is suspected of having suffered a concussion, he will be immediately removed from the pitch, whether in training or match play.” 

However, Pavard, Baumgartner, and Danilo who all suffered blows to the head, remained on the pitch after suffering injuries. Pavard said he had been “a little knocked out for 10 or 15 seconds” before going back on to play. Baumgartner suffered a head injury but remained on the pitch, he was” visibly struggling and went down holding his head on two more occasions, but was not withdrawn until almost 15 minutes after the original incident.”  

Danilo collapsed after being hit in the jaw during play but was cleared to continue play although he was withdrawn at half-time. 

 Failure to protect players

Of Pavard’s incident, the brain injury charity Headway said: “This is another example of football authorities failing to protect the short- and long-term health of a player. 

“It was plain for all to see that Pavard was unable to protect himself from the fall. Pavard’s later statement that he lost consciousness confirms the seriousness of the incident. 

“We have continuously been told that football’s concussion protocols are fit for purpose and that temporary concussion substitutes are not necessary. But here we have yet another example where it is simply not credible to suggest that a concussion could not be ‘suspected’ or a possible consequence of the impact. However, after a brief on-pitch assessment the player was allowed to continue. 

“Furthermore, it appeared that the referee was attempting to speed up the medical team and usher them and the player off the pitch, rather than allowing them the time they needed to assess the seriousness of the injury. 

“Why is it so hard for football to accept it has got this wrong and follow the example set by other sports by introducing temporary concussion substitutes?” 

This all comes after a number of high-profile sports players have been left with long-term problems. Three Lions heroes Martin Peters, Nobby Stiles, and Ray Wilson were all diagnosed with dementia. 

Rugby World Cup 2003 winning hooker Steve Thompson and ex-Wales back row Alix Popham claimed the sport left them with permanent brain damage. 

Now it seems that football’s care of players is under the spotlight. There are lessons to be learnt after the high-profile head injuries at Euro 2020, to put players first by providing the care and support they need, both on the pitch and off, by following Headway’s advice: if in doubt, sit it out!

FOOTBALL ACCIDENTS

If you suffer an injury on the pitch the first and most important step that you should take is to seek medical attention. This medical attention may be as simple as receiving treatment from a first aider on the pitch or you may have to go to the hospital. Not only does this help to protect your health but seeking medical attention also creates a paper trail that can be used as evidence.

 Even if you just seek medical attention from the first aider, they will have to note down which supplies have been used and the fact that an accident has happened. Therefore, it is always important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you start to develop symptoms of an injury such as a concussion,  after the event, you should visit your local GP or go to A and E depending on the severity.

If you suffer from a football injury, it is useful to gather evidence to help strengthen your claim. This might include: Witness evidence

If you can, take note of other players, spectators, or match officials who witnessed the incident. If available, try to get hold of any video footage of the game.

It would also be good to take:

• Photographs of your injuries
• Photographs of poorly maintained facilities or pitch, if these caused your injury

If you would like to make a personal injury claim, you should contact a personal injury solicitor. There is usually a three-year time limit beginning upon the date that the accident happened.

HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY A BRAIN INJURY? 

If you have had a brain injury that was not your fault and would like to know more about pursuing a successful personal injury claim then please get in touch today on 0333 358 3034 or fill in an online claim form.