Che Adams was able to continue playing
Southampton were on the wrong end of some rotten luck in their first half against West Ham. First, a brilliant goal from Danny Ings was ruled out for an offside in the build up after his strike partner Che Adams mistimed a run past the Hammers’ back line.
Adams was then the subject of more dramas after Craig Dawson inadvertently kicked him in the head while scrambling for the ball at a set piece.
As West Ham captain Declan Rice curled the ball towards the far post, Dawson and Adams competed for the ball in the air. As the ball dropped, Adams too dropped to the ground, while Dawson kept his balance and – desperate to put his team in front – swung his leg at the ball, only to catch Adams on the head.
It looked very, very painful, but incredibly Adams was able to get up and continue playing. Was that wise, in the current climate surrounding concussion injuries? I don’t know, I’m not a doctor. My inclination would be to conduct a more thorough test on him before throwing him back out on to the pitch, though.
Talk about putting your body (and head) on the line 😱
Don’t worry Che Adams is up and running again#PLonPrime #SOUWHU pic.twitter.com/GSW1OCzThg
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 29, 2020
Dawson was widely criticised for this dangerous piece of play. While there is no reason to suspect any malice in the kick, it was undoubtedly reckless. Many called it an “awful challenge” while others likened it to assault.
There were reams of WWE jokes, too, in probably the only occasion Craig Dawson has ever been compared to Randy Orton.
Another replay of Craig Dawson on Che Adams pic.twitter.com/z6SJKeMsy6
— J⚡️ (@J__CPFC) December 29, 2020
Southampton were without their head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl for this game, after a member of his family tested positive for coronavirus, meaning he had to self isolate.
That ins just one of 53,000 new cases that were recorded on Tuesday 29th December, a daily record in the United Kingdom.
With cases soaring across the country, football clubs included, Premier League clubs are now discussing the possibility of a two week break to allow for a ‘cooling off period’.
