PFA concern over keeper
injuries
tribalfooball.com - January 02, 2007
The injuries to goalkeepers this season have led the PFA to
investigate the efficiency of the emergency services at
stadiums.
Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi was carried off on a stretcher after
an horrific looking fall on his head against Watford, 11 weeks
after Chelsea's Petr Cech suffered a fractured skull against
Reading.
Shay Given had a tear in his bowel following a challenge in
Newcastle's match at West Ham, with surgeons comparing the impact
of the injury to that of a car crash.
"We've had a number of serious injuries, particularly to
goalkeepers, and it highlights the precariousness of the
profession," said PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor. "It's not a
piece of cake out there.
"We've had discussions with the Premier League on making sure that
all immediate possible medical facilities are at hand, particularly
with ambulances to get them to hospital as quickly as
possible.
"That is something that we're wanting to make sure of and are
checking up on. While there needs to be ambulance facilities for
spectators, we're looking to make sure that everything is in place
for a quick and speedy action when emergency treatment is
needed.
"The Petr Cech case was a reminder that we should make sure that
everything possible that can be done is being done to avoid any
possible tragedy."
wear helmet ?