Alan Shearer has called for the immediate introduction of temporary substitutions in the case of concussions, after Wales defender Neco Williams was allowed to play on in the World Cup following a head injury.
The pacey full-back was left in a daze after blocking a powerful strike from England player Marcus Rashford with the top of his head, momentarily falling to the floor after the impact.
And while the 21-year-old was allowed to play on after receiving treatment, he was eventually replaced by Connor Roberts in the 36th minute of Tuesday's game - unable to continue further.
Read more: World Cup 2022: Why both teams get an extra substitution if a player goes off concussed
Brain injury charity Headway has since criticised the handling of the incident, with the Newcastle United legend also requesting that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) make changes to the rules immediately.
Speaking at half time during tonight's BBC One coverage of the World Cup group game, Shearer said: "It has to come. I would say to IFAB, ‘what on earth are you waiting for?’ because everyone is under pressure then to make a decision.
“You’ve got the doctors and the physios on the pitch trying to buy a little bit of time. If they were able to get him off for 10 minutes, assess him, bring someone on and then make their mind up there rather than be put under huge pressure on the pitch (it would be an improvement).
“What on earth, are IFAB waiting for? Do it now.”
Williams was briefly assessed by medical staff at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium after sustaining the blow from the rocketing ball, and despite his visual discomfort, he decided not to leave the game there and then. Concussion controversy also arose in England's Group B opener against Iran, when goalkeeper Alireza Berianvand clashed heads with his own defender.
Although the keeper initially chose to continue, he was eventually replaced after showing discomfort.
Headway tweeted: “YET AGAIN medics are given no options! A temporary concussion rule would have not resulted in Nico (sic) Williams being left on the pitch after #concussion. How many more?! #ENGWAL”.
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