Chelsea criticised over handling of Courtois head injury

Chelsea have been criticised for their handling of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois's head injury in Sunday's 2-0 win against Arsenal.

The Belgian was left lying motionless after colliding with Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez early in the first half at Stamford Bridge.

He was replaced 14 minutes later when he appeared to be bleeding from his ear.

Chelsea confirmed the 22-year-old had been discharged from hospital after being treated for a minor cut to his ear, while precautionary tests on a head injury had come back clear.

But Headway questioned the club's medical care and the effectiveness of new rules following the decision to allow him to play on.

"The new rules introduced this season were designed to ensure no risks to players' health were taken," Headway chief executive Peter McCabe said.

"They clearly state that 'If there is any suspicion of the player having sustained a concussion, they must be removed from the field of play, and not allowed to return.'

"This incident calls into question whether these rules are working effectively.

"It is hard to understand how a concussion was not suspected following the sickening clash."

"Bleeding from one or both ears is one of the symptoms to look out for that requires an immediate visit or return to hospital following a head injury.

"The fact that the bleeding only became apparent 15 minutes after the injury also demonstrates the evolving nature of concussion and highlights why a safety-first approach must be taken with all head injuries."

Following news he would not be sidelined with the injury, Courtois tweeted that he was "already feeling much better".

The charity labelled Tottenham Hotspur as "irresponsible" for allowing goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to play on despite losing consciousness against Everton last season.