SPFL enters talks with clubs over introduction of concussion substitutes

All 42 Scottish league clubs have been asked by the SPFL to submit their views on concussion substitutes.

Hibs defender Paul McGinn is assessed by the physio after a clash of heads during a match with Dundee United earlier this season

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) recently anounced that competition organisers could start trialling the use of concussion substitutes this season, and Scotland’s clubs have been asked if they would support such a move being trialled in league and play-off matches.

The new rule would allow teams to properly assess players suspected of having suffered a concussion by bringing on a replacement and giving them the option of subbing the original player back on if they were given the all-clear, much like the current process in rugby.

A change to the SPFL’s rules to allow concussion substitutes would need 75 per cent in favour in each of the three voting categories – Premiership, Championship, and League 1 / League 2.

Clubs have been asked to submit their views on the introduction of concussion substitutes to the SPFL by February 1 – which also happens to be the final day of the January transfer window.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “Clearly this is a very important issue and one that Scottish football has led on.

"We are keen to get input on it from our member clubs as soon as possible.

"The Scottish FA has already indicated its intention to introduce the concussion substitute trial in the Scottish Cup at the earliest possible opportunity and we will be liaising closely with them, and with Dr John MacLean, once our clubs have responded with their views.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.