Concussion and protocols around head injuries were firmly back in the spotlight after a nasty collision involving star Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Whyman during Sunday’s 3-1 win over Perth Glory.
Whyman was face down and motionless on the turf, having taken a blow to the face late in the Liberty A-League fixture at UTAS Stadium in Launceston, where the Sky Blues put one hand on the premiers plate.
Glory’s Aideen Keane, who scored her first A-League Women goal during the closing stages, was chasing down a ball just out the six-yard box, with her trailing leg striking Whyman in the face.
After a lengthy delay as both players were left on the floor, Whyman continued and landed heavily in another nervy moment as she leapt to collect a cross.
As Network 10 host Tara Rushton questioned the decision to allow Whyman to continue, analyst Grace Gill said: “For me, player welfare at the 91st-minute in the game, you have a two-goal buffer. That’s a really heavy clash. I would’ve love to see Jada Whyman go off and see the game out on the bench.
“She looked a little bit groggy and obviously copped a really severe knock to the face and looked uncomfortable.
“There’s a level of negligence in that decision. I would’ve liked to see her take the bench.”
Meanwhile, Sydney fans were left sweating after two-goal hero Cortnee Vine exited the field with an apparent injury.
As the Sky Blues eye the championship, everyone involved with Sydney will be hoping it’s nothing major after she scored two goals in eight minutes to put the visitors in control.
For the time being, the Australia international isn’t giving anything away regarding the severity of the problem as Sydney moved five points clear of Melbourne City, who have a match in hand.
“It is a bit sore. Not too sure what’s going on,” Vine said when asked post-game. “I got kicked in the leg. Bit of nerve stuff going on. Not too sure where I’m at with that at the moment.”
On the match itself, which Sydney dominated as they made it three consecutive victories over Perth – their best run of form against the Glory since 2009-12, Vine added: “It was a really important game.
“We came out there and showed everyone what we could do and why we’re at the top. I’m really proud of the girls.”
