Collision in Iran-England sparks huge criticism from soccer world

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This World Cup controversy was on the field for a change, but it just added to the firestorm FIFA is facing from the soccer world.

Less than 10 minutes into the match between England and Iran, Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand jumped toward a cross into the box and smacked face-first into the face of Iran center back Majid Hosseini.

ouch pic.twitter.com/6GKtoFRLfc

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022

The collision caused a bloody nose for Beiranvand and an almost certain concussion. But the Iranian doctors who checked on him allowed Beiranvand to stay in the game and play through the injury.

After a delay of almost 10 minutes, Beiranvand stayed in the game. He took one goal kick, then immediately laid down and was forced to come out of the game.

Former USMNT player and Fox color analyst Landon Donovan was critical of the situation and knew almost instinctually that Beiranvand wasnt OK to continue.

I dont want to speculate, but he just doesnt look right to me, to be honest, Donovan said. You look in his eyes, he looks quite phased by this.

Once he went down, Donovan said, I give him a lot of credit, this is really difficult. But its the right thing.

It was the right decision for a player who understandably wanted to continue playing on the sports biggest stage, but the incident spotlighted FIFAs concussion protocol, which has a glaring conflict of interest.

Per Yahoo Sports Henry Bushnell, FIFA relies on team doctors to self-report concussions. There is no penalty for allowing a concussed player to stay in the game, while there are no temporary substitutes at the World Cup to allow time to evaluate a player for a concussion. So when that’s the case, the player is more than likely going to take any opportunity to stay in.

Fox rules analyst Dr. Joe Machnik pointed this out on the broadcast, which fueled criticism online to those who werent aware of the lack of independent governance around concussion reporting. Donovan called out the issue on the broadcast.

Everyones biased here, he said. Beiranvand is biased, their doctors are. Theyre getting pressure from (the Iran coach), maybe, to keep him in the game I think its a great idea to have someone independent to make that decision. Its very dangerous.

I think its going to spark a debate, this whole incident, play-by-play commentator Ian Darke said.

Incredible from Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. It looked like he was coming off after a broken nose. But he continues after a long stoppage. Hard to feel that this is not a dangerous decision for him. #IRN #ENG #FIFAWorldCup

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) November 21, 2022

As if this World Cup didnt have enough to contend with. This is a terrible look for football.

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 21, 2022

Erhm. Alireza Beiranvandhas no business being on the pitch anymore. He is clearly dealing with concussion symptoms. This is once again such a terrible message from the sport.

— Luis Miguel Echegaray (@lmechegaray) November 21, 2022

Broke your nose? Concussions? This holy water shower will fix it! pic.twitter.com/lyWgi2eUx8

— UPDATE (@Ultra_Suristic) November 21, 2022

Its 2022 and football still doesnt take concussion seriously.

— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) November 21, 2022

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