Ange addresses concussion misunderstandings as Aussie hail ‘great’ move, saying, “That is madness.”

 

In response to questions regarding Cristian

Romero’s substitution in Tottenham’s 2-2

draw with Brentford, Ange Postecoglou has

clarified that he took all reasonable

procedures in taking the defender off the field.

Tottenham took the lead in the 11th minute

thanks to a goal from Romero. In his first

Premier League game as manager,

Postecoglou had a perfect start, but there

are some things that are more significant

than outcomes.

Romero put Tottenham in front with a goal

in the 11th minute. It was a dream start for

Postecoglou in his first Premier League

game in charge, although some things are

more important than results.

Accordingly, Postecoglou took the decision to

remove Romero shortly after he had opened

the scoring due to suspected concussion

despite protests from the Argentine centre-back.

 

The Australian coach said he had no regrets

over that decision, but criticised the fact it

did not count as a concussion substitute due

to the wrong form being given to the fourth official.

Premier League sides are allowed two extra

substitutions, on top of their allocated five,

to replace players suspected of suffering concussion.

“Their (medical team’s) information was

that he wasn’t that steady and with his head

after scoring, I’m not taking any risks in that

scenario in this day and age and what we

know of head injuries,” added Postecoglou.

“The last person you want to be directed by

is the player himself. He has no idea. The

disappointing thing is that apparently we

filled out the wrong form for a concussion sub.

 

“That is madness in this day and age. It is

pretty clear why we took the guy off. It is

black and white for us, we’re not going to

take any risks with our people when we

know what the repercussions are.”

 

The football world applauded Postecoglou

for putting Romero’s wellbeing first, with

NBC Sports’ Tim Howard describing it as

“brilliant management”.