Jermaine Jenas wasn't impressed with the decision to keep Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand on the pitch against England after suffering a head injury in the first-half of their World Cup opener in Qatar.
Although Beiranvand was later withdrawn from the game, Iran's medical team appeared to insist that he at least attempt staying on the pitch after the goalkeeper collided with one of his own defenders early on in the first-half. Jenas believes that the decision to substitute him should've been made earlier, especially considering how much is going into raising awareness about concussion at the moment.
Commentating on BBC MOTD Live, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder said: "This is where it shouldn’t be his call, [Iran player Ehsan] Hajsafi is getting involved and tell him to stay on the pitch.
READ MORE: Gareth Southgate has already proven Tony Adams wrong over bizarre Harry Kane World Cup call
"He’s asking for more time, he’s clearly not in a good place. I don’t see how this is right, I really don’t. It seems like he’s being forced to stay on, it’s ridiculous. It’s the responsibility of the medical team to make the call, make the decision.
"We’re at a major tournament in 2022, constantly talking about concussion in the game and the long-term affects with dementia and this happens. It’s out of order… he shouldn’t be on the pitch, I think it’s a joke."
The decision to keep Beiranvand on the pitch meant that there was 14 minutes of added time at the end of the first-half.
READ NEXT:
England vs Iran LIVE: World Cup kick-off time, team news, goal updates as FA back down on OneLove
FIFA enforce World Cup ban on Harry Kane and England day before opening game vs Iran
Why Harry Kane could be booked as soon as England vs Iran 2022 World Cup clash kicks off
Full list of Arsenal players going to Qatar 2022 World Cup including Thomas Partey decision
Full list of Chelsea transfer targets going to Qatar 2022 World Cup amid Boehly scouting mission
