The Senegal star sustained a blow to his head during the Lions’ quarter-final clash against Cape Verde.
Sadio Mane scored the opening goal for Senegal in their 2-0 win over Cape Verde on Tuesday. However, minutes before scoring the goal, Mane had to receive lengthy on-field treatment for a head injury.
Following a collision with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, Mane received a blow to his head. The Senegal star remained on the pitch but was substituted in the 70th minute.
Mane confirmed his injury is not serious after the game. However, brain injury association Headway has criticized Senegal’s handling of the situation.
What has been said?
The charity’s deputy chief executive, Luke Griggs, published an official statement on Thursday.
“On the face of it, this seems to be yet another example of football putting results ahead of player safety,” the statement reads.
“This was a sickening collision that clearly left both players in enough distress for a concussion to have surely been considered a possibility at the very least.
“At that point, the principle of ‘if in doubt, sit it out!’ should have resulted in substitution without another ball being kicked.“
The statement adds: “Yet again, the desire to win is seen as being worth serious risks to players’ health. It is simply shocking that this continues to happen.
“This is now a real test of leadership for The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and world governing body FIFA – particularly if Senegal declare Mane fit for Sunday’s quarter-final.
“If football wants to be taken seriously when it comes to concussion, it simply must take action to enforce and strengthen its protocols.”
The Premier League have recently introduced concussion substitutes. The new rule will allow teams to take off the injured player without giving up one of their permitted changes.
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