Yesterday’s game has triggered a good many talking points.
Should Hugo been have been frogmarched off the pitch at Goodison? Well Brain injury charity Headway think he should have been. This morning they said that Spurs showed an “irresponsible and cavalier attitude” in the matter.
The etymology of frogmarch stems from 1871, it was a term that originated among London police, referring to their method of moving “a drunken or refractory prisoner.” Looking at Hugo eventually get to his feet, it’s difficult to argue he didn’t look like a man who just spent 8 hours in a pub drinking like a pirate, only to then refuse to leave when told to go home.
A Headway spokesman said:
When a player – or any individual – suffers a blow to the head that is severe enough for them to lose consciousness, it is vital they urgently seek appropriate medical attention.
A physio or doctor treating a player on the pitch simply cannot accurately gauge the severity of the damage caused to the player’s brain in such a setting as there may be delayed presentation of symptoms.
By continuing to play, the player may have caused greater damage to his brain. He should have been removed from the game immediately and taken to hospital for thorough tests and observation.”
Obviously the chap from Headway didn’t realise that André was a qualified quack.
He doesn’t remember it so he lost consciousness. It was a big knock but he looked composed and ready to continue. The call always belongs to me. Brad was ready to come in but the person Hugo is, there were enough signs for him to continue.”
Whilst it’s great to see a player bucking the rather depressing trend of milking it. But player safety is the bottom line. The decision should be with the THFC qualified medical staff. Not with anyone else – especially not the player.
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