Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has blasted the way that Fabian Schar was treated after he was knocked out while playing for Switzerland.
The £40,000-a-week defender [Spotrac] was left unconscious after a clash of heads in Saturday’s meeting with Georgia, and despite being out cold for four minutes, was allowed to play on for the full 90.
A decision has since been taken by the Swiss FA and Newcastle to exclude him from the match against Denmark this evening, as reported by Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder on Twitter, but Toon hero Shearer is still aggrieved with how things were handled.
Newcastle United and Switzerland FA have made a joint decision to withdraw Fabian Schar from the game with Denmark this week following head injury on Saturday #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) March 25, 2019
Speaking to the Sun, he said: “There is no way in the world that Fabian Schar should have been allowed to play on. It’s ridiculous.
“For games at the top level, there needs to be an independent doctor not connected to any country or any club. They can watch the footage and make a decision that is final.
“If there is any doubt whatsoever, you get the player off the pitch.
“Newcastle shouldn’t have to get involved. It’s nonsensical.”
OPINION
The way that Schar’s head injury was handled was almost unbelievable. Such a serious clash of heads could have had devastating consequences for the defender that wouldn’t have necessarily been visible immediately after the event. He should, without any shadow of a doubt, have been taken off and checked over thoroughly, not to mention given an extended period to rest up and overcome any potential complications. To be knocked unconscious at all is a pretty big deal, but to be out cold for four minutes is nothing short of terrifying. How a medical professional could then pass him fit to play after that goes against all logic, and some serious questions need to be asked. You would hope that understanding of head injuries was getting better, but on the basis of this, if a national team medic can ignore something so blatant, you wonder whether a more uniform protocol with no room for doubt must be brought in by the relevant governing bodies.
