Harry Maguire: Brain injury charity Headway calls for stronger action on concussion

Brain injury charity Headway wants stronger action on concussion protocol following a “concerning” incident with Manchester United defender Harry Maguire on Saturday.

Maguire showed signs of discomfort following a collision with Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz.

He was assessed by United’s medical staff before being allowed to continue.

Headway chief executive Luke Griggs said it was “concerning for a number of reasons”.

The England defender had a cut above his eye after his head made contact with the shoulder of Muniz just two minutes into the Red Devils’ 1-0 win at Craven Cottage.

He passed medical checks and was deemed fit to continue but referee John Brooks called for another assessment with around an hour played when Maguire looked dazed following a headed clearance.

Griggs said: “We are not privy to the discussions with his medical team, nor should their professionalism be questioned. This is an issue with the very culture of football and its stubborn refusal to put players’ health above all else – including the result of a game.

“Every time the ‘if in doubt, sit it out’ principle is seen to be ignored in elite level football, our chances of educating younger players and better protecting future generations from short and long-term brain injury is diminished.

“Temporary concussion substitutions would immediately help return some credibility to the process, but an evolution of attitude is urgently needed.”

Manchester United are said to be supportive of the action taken by their medical staff, with Maguire cleared via the concussion protocols for the first incident, while it is understood his second assessment was due to a hand injury.