‘Ridiculous’ – Iran manager slammed after concussed goalkeeper is not subbed during World Cup opener vs England

Iran keeper Alireza Beyranvand had a very painful head clash with teammate Majid Hosseini (Photo: BBC)

Jermaine Jenas and Alan Shearer have slammed the decision to keep Iran’s Alireza Beyranvand on the pitch after picking up a head injury during their World Cup opener against England.

Early into Monday’s game, the goalkeeper went to clear a cross from England captain Harry Kane but in doing so collided with one of his teammates and subsequently fell to the ground holding his head.

Play was then paused for around 10 minutes as Beyranvand looked visibly dazed from the incident and it seemed as if he would be instantly subbed off, with a replacement warming up and ready to come on.

However, after a brief conversation with Iran captain Ehsan Hajsafi, Beyranvand restarted the game, much to the frustration and disbelief of those watching, before dropping to the floor again just a minute later and finally coming off.

‘It’s just really unacceptable. It doesn’t matter how important Beyranvand is to Carlos Queiroz [Iran’s manager],’ former England midfielder Jenas said while commentating for the BBC.

‘Beyranvand shouldn’t be on the pitch now. I think it’s a joke, I really do. I don’t see how him carrying on is right.

‘This is ridiculous. It’s almost as if he’s been forced to carry on here. I think this is where the medical team just have to step in and say it’s not right.

Beiranvand was in no fit state to continue the game (Photo: Getty)

‘It’s 2022 and we are having so many discussions about concussion protocols and how it can lead to dementia. This is not ok.

‘If Beyranvand has to miss 10 days for his health and his safety, then so be it. That’s why these protocols are in place.’

Current FIFA concussion protocols dictates: ‘If there are signs or symptoms of damage to the brain, or a concussive injury is suspected despite the absence of signs or symptoms, the doctor/therapist should remove the player from the pitch for a more detailed examination (using a concussion substitute if available/required).’

More: England football team

These rules were clearly not followed, with fellow BBC pundit Alan Shearer adding his criticism at half-time: ‘I think we are failing the players here.

‘They have to bring the temporary substitution rule in because he [Beiranvand] should be off the pitch for 10-15 minutes being assessed while another keeper comes on.

‘Quite clearly he was never in a fit state to carry on, no matter what he said.’

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