Brain injury charity Headway slam Tottenham over Hugo Lloris head injury

Hugo Lloris momentarily lost consciousness after his collision with Romelu Lukaku

Hugo Lloris clashed with Everton’s on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku‘s knee during Sunday’s match which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Tottenham Hotspur boss, Andre Villas-Boas, however, let Lloris continue playing for the rest of the game.

In response to Villas-Boas’ decision, brain injury charity Headway said the club showed an “irresponsible and cavalier attitude” to Lloris’s health.

Spokesman Luke Griggs added: “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 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.”

The French goalkeeper was initially supposed to be carried off on a stretcher, but remained on the field after a lengthy delay.

“He doesn’t remember it, so he lost consciousness. It was a big knock but he looked composed and ready to continue,” said Villas-Boas.

Talking to BBC Sport, he added: “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 [Friedel] was ready to come in but the person Hugo is, there were enough signs for him to continue.”

Spurs captain, Michael Dawson did try to persuade Lloris to go off.

Dawson said, “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.”

Guidelines from both Headway and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) state people should not play any contact sport for at least three weeks after suffering a concussion.

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.”