INTER MILAN have been blasted by Dean Ashton for allowing Stefan de Vrij continue to play on against Liverpool after suffering a head injury.
The 30-year-old defender needed treatment on the half hour mark as the Serie A side suffered a 2-0 home defeat to the Reds in the first leg of the last-16 Champions League clash.
De Vrij was treated with an ice bag on his head but was soon ushered back onto the pitch by manager Simeone Inzaghi.
The player, who went through several checks with Inter’s medical team and appeared to complain about his vision, was also keen to continue.
But the star also hit the deck again before the break but was allowed to continue after the restart.
The Dutchman was eventually replaced in the second period, but former West Ham striker Ashton blasted the decision to let him play on.
On commentary for talkSPORT, he said: ”I watched the rugby union on the weekend, there are people in the stands, they watch a video – if there’s been a head clash, you’re off.
“There’s no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’ or ‘do you want to carry on?’ De Vrij is still adamant he wants to carry on.
“He’ll want to play in such a big game. As a team, you don’t want to be without your best players.
“But, come on, where’s the thought process in protecting the players?”
The former West Ham and Norwich star added: “You could see De Vrij was waving his hand in front of his face as if he’s got blurred vision or a bit of dizziness. Surely that tells you enough that there’s something not quite right?
“There is this issue we have in football, about whether the player is adamant about carrying on, rather than taking it out of their hands. I don’t like to see it.
“There has to be a big culture change. We’ve got to look out for the welfare of the players, rather than how important the rest of this half is.”
Several viewers also questioned the decision on Twitter.
One wrote: “I wonder what type of concussion rules Inter have. That guy should be off the field.”
Another said: “Concussion protocol in football is a disgrace.”
As another tweeted: “De Vrij has had treatment twice for blurred vision which he’s indicated twice. Concussion protocols where?”
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