Frenchman unhurt but Villas-Boas under fire for allowing Lloris to play on.
The Club can confirm that Hugo Lloris underwent a precautionary CT scan and was given the all-clear and travelled back to London last night
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 4, 2013
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has emerged unscathed from his clash with Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, with a scan revealing no signs of concussion.
The Frenchman, 26, was knocked unconscious by the Belgian with ten minutes remaining of the 0-0 draw at Goodison Park on Sunday but, despite the best efforts of Spurs’ medical staff and captain Michael Dawson, Lloris played on after receiving treatment.
While a CT scan has revealed the France international was unharmed by the collision, which resulted in Lukaku’s removal with a sore knee, Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has been criticised for allowing Lloris to play on.
Brain injury charity Headway said the club showed an “irresponsible and cavalier attitude” to Lloris’s health, while FIFA’s chief medical officer Professor Jiri Dvorak said Lloris should have been substituted – in accordance with the governing body’s guidelines.
“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,” said Headway spokesperson Luke Griggs.
“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.”
Villas-Boas admitted that Lloris did not remember the collision said the stopper, who made a vital save from Seamus Coleman after the incident, looked ‘ready to continue’.
“He doesn’t remember it so he lost consciousness. It was a big knock but he looked composed and ready to continue,” added the Portuguese.
“Hugo seemed assertive and determined to continue and showed great character and personality. We decided to keep him on based on that.
“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.”
Griggs added: “Sports science has evolved significantly over the past decade and yet we’re still faced with the antiquated concept that a player should be brave and try to continue at all costs. Mr Villas-Boas’s comment that his player’s determination to play on was proof of his ‘great character and personality’ is simply wrong and dangerous.”
Spurs centre-half Dawson admitted he tried to persuade Lloris after witnessing the goalkeeper first hand after the clash.
“He took a really bad whack and I was worried when he went down and stayed down. When he got up his legs gave way but he stayed on and made two good saves.
“I lead those boys but safety is the most important thing. He was in a bad way but by the time he came around he was wanting to stay on. He’s a little bit dazed but he’s a lot better.”
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