“Hopefully, no one has to die” – Spurs receive criticism over controversial incident

Unfortunately, after qualifying for their first ever Champions League semi-final, Tottenham were unable to stop a young and vibrant Ajax side winning the first leg of the tie.

Ajax grabbed an early away goal at the new Spurs stadium through Donny Van de Beek, a lead they will look defend during their home leg on Wednesday evening.

However, it wasn’t just the football that grabbed headlines, Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen suffered a nasty head collision with his defensive partner Toby Alderweireld, after which the 32-year-old was seen bleeding profusely.

The Tottenham medical staff assessed Vertonghen and gave him the green light to re-enter the action, but the defender only lasted 30 seconds before calling time on his own night. He then left the pitch, appeared to vomit, and found it difficult to stay on his feet.

Spurs’ medical staff have been criticised for allowing the former Ajax-man back on to the pitch and now former US international Taylor Twellman has piled on with rather strong words.

Twellman, who was forced to retire from the sport due to multiple concussions following a devastating 2008 collision with LA Galaxy goalkeeper Steve Cronin, insisted that allowing Vertonghen back on to the pitch was extremely irresponsible from Spurs’ medical staff.

Speaking to CNN, the former MLS star said: “I got sick to my stomach. Hopefully, no one has to die.

“It’s irresponsible, it’s disgusting, and quite honestly it’s pathetic that we’re still having this conversation in 2019.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has come to his medical staff’s defence by insisting that the correct protocols were followed before allowing Jan Vertonghen back on the pitch (BBC).

So, it might just be the case that the defender was fine when he was assessed by the medical staff and only felt the effects of the collision after a few minutes. Perhaps this incident will serve as a warning not to take risks with players who suffer head injuries going forward.

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