Arsenal confirm Olivier Giroud did not suffer concussion in James Tomkins clash
Monday 10 August 2015 08:23, UK
Arsenal have confirmed striker Olivier Giroud did not suffer concussion after suffering a nasty clash of heads with James Tomkins during the club’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham on Sunday.
The France international took an accidental blow to the back of the head in the 76th minute at the Emirates in an incident which left each man in a heap on the floor.
Sets of players from both sides were quick to attend their team-mates, with Nacho Monreal placing Giroud on his side, before medical staff rushed on to the pitch.
The pair looked to be severely injured, but Giroud was the first to his feet, while Tomkins received further treatment before they continued for the last 14 minutes of the match.
However, Arsenal later released a statement on Twitter quelling rumours Giroud had lost consciousness before being allowed to play on.
“Update on Olivier Giroud: contrary to some reports, he was not unconscious at any point after collision today and has returned home as usual,” a statement read.
The Football Association introduced new guidelines and rules for the management of concussion and head injuries at the beginning of last season.
The FA guidelines set out the procedures and processes which follow any suspected head injury and how players should be re-introduced to competitive football over time through the new ‘return to play’ rules.
The rules detail that after any 'confirmed or suspected period of loss of consciousness' the player must be removed from the field of play and not be allowed to return.
Where no loss of consciousness is apparent an on-field or touchline assessment will take place.
