Alan Shearer ‘not happy’ with what happened in Newcastle United’s win over Aston Villa

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer was not happy with what happened to Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
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Alan Shearer was not happy with the way Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s head injury was handled in Newcastle United’s 4-0 win at St James’ Park. The Magpies legend called for the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to change their concussion rules “immediately”.

Martinez collided with his own teammate Tyrone Mings after diving to keep out Joelinton’s 19th-minute shot. The Argentine stayed down for a lengthy period before continuing. However, around 15 minutes later, Martinez went down again and was eventually replaced by Robin Olsen.

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Shearer wants IFAB to introduce temporary substitutions, a move previously backed by the PFA, so players can be assessed properly. The 52-year-old said on Match of the Day: “I’m not happy with it at all. There’s been so much talk and discussion about this. IFAB needs to change this rule and change it immediately because this is not acceptable.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez goes down injured against Newcastle United. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez goes down injured against Newcastle United. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez goes down injured against Newcastle United. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“We talk about concussion, it’s a really tough blow for Emi Martinez. It’s accidental by Mings and Martinez is down for four or five minutes getting treatment. What should happen is there should be temporary substitutions, he should be allowed to go off and be assessed for 10 minutes.

“He goes down again 10 minutes later. If he goes off and is assessed, there’s no way he’s allowed back onto the field of play like he is in this instance. It shouldn’t happen, they are failing players by not allowing temporary substitutions. He shouldn’t have been allowed to carry on.”

The current rule allows teams an additional substitution, i.e a concussion sub, which also allows the opposition an extra sub, hence why Eddie Howe was able to make six against Villa. Interim boss Aaron Danks defended the decision to keep Martinez on the pitch.

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“We’ve got very professional medical staff,” Danks replied. “They went on and assessed him. He was okay to continue. Things have changed after that. There was a delayed onset of something that means he had to come off. That’s all I know.”