Alan Shearer blasts Sheffield United for allowing George Baldock to return despite concussion worry

‘When is football going to learn’: Alan Shearer blasts Sheffield United for allowing George Baldock to return to the field amid concussion worries

  • Shearer made highly acclaimed TV documentary Dementia, Football and Me 
  • The Premier League record scorer was shocked at handling of Baldock’s injury
  • Baldock, oddly, was allowed to come back on before eventually being taken off

Sheffield United have been criticised for delaying the substitution of defender George Baldock at Leeds after he appeared to be left groggy following a hefty challenge on Leeds United’s Tyler Roberts.

Alan Shearer, who made highly acclaimed television documentary Dementia, Football and Me, was appalled Baldock was allowed to return to the action at Elland Road following concussion checks – only to then be replaced five minutes later shortly before half-time.

‘I look at it and I think, when is football going to learn,’ stormed Shearer, who was analysing the Yorkshire derby for Amazon Prime. ‘If in doubt, sit them out.’

Sheffield United defender George Baldock suffered a heavy knock in a tackle on Tyler Roberts

Baldock initially left the pitch but was allowed to come back on before officially withdrawing

Baldock initially left the pitch but was allowed to come back on before officially withdrawing

The incident was sparked by a high two-footed tackle by Baldock on Roberts that could easily have been punished with a yellow or red card.

Instead, the Blades player needed lengthy treatment both on the pitch and by the touchline as he was checked for concussion as Ampadu warmed up.

Unexpectedly, Baldock then returned to the action without Ampadu being introduced as a concussion sub; but after a short spell back in the action, Sheffield United did make the alteration.

Record Premier League goalscorer Alan Shearer criticised the decision to allow him back on

Record Premier League goalscorer Alan Shearer criticised the decision to allow him back on

Ironically, Baldock could have seen red for his wild, out-of-control tackle on the Leeds forward

Ironically, Baldock could have seen red for his wild, out-of-control tackle on the Leeds forward

‘He’s been assessed, he’s been allowed back onto the football pitch for five minutes and then clearly he’s not right and they’ve taken him off again,’ said Shearer.

‘Leave him off, take him off the pitch and assess him. Bring someone back on, that’s what the law was brought in for with concussion. Now five minutes later he’s off, what is football waiting for. What is it doing, allowing this?’

Concussion protocols have been tightened since Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris played on with a head injury that saw him temporarily lose consciousness in a game against Everton in 2013.

Ironically, Baldock escaped without a card for his reckless challenge when a sending-off would have avoided the debate over whether he should have been allowed to continue.