FIFPro criticise UEFA and FIFA for allowing Vertonghen to play on

For the association of professional footballers, Spurs' medical staff did not comply with the protocol that must come into play every time a footballer suffers the risk of concussion.

After the heavy blow to the head during the first half, Vertonghen was treated for about five minutes on the field of play and the club doctors then followed him for a couple more minutes on the wings before he resumed his place on the pitch.

Although the impact was considerable, Vertonghen wanted to continue playing in the semifinal and Mateu Lahoz asked Undiano Mallenco to talk to Tottenham's chief doctor. He gave him his 'ok' and the Belgian returned to the pitch... but he had to leave just a minute later.

He was very dizzy and couldn't continue, which is why FIFPro asks that the high level matches employ "independent doctors for these situations", since, as they explained in a press release published by 'Daily Mail', they believe that Vertonghen should have been replaced immediately in order to be fully assessed.

"It was clear, we all saw it. The health of footballers is above all else," they add. Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham coach, also spoke about what happened: "We (for the coaching staff) had nothing to do with the decision. The doctor was the one who said he could go on, but he rapidly took a turn for the worst and we had to replace him".