15 minutes from time in Club America's shock defeat to Liga MX cellar dwellers, Leones Negros, there was a collision between Oribe Peralta and UDG goalkeeper Humberto "Gansito" Hernandez. Peralta absorbed the majority of the impact, most of it right to his head. He was dazed and confused, but Peralta decided he could play on.
He was the last person that needed to make the call.
Despite having a sub ready to go, his manager, Gustavo Matosas, relented. Peralta persuaded him to stay in the game, only to report dizziness in the locker room, and was ultimately sent to hospital. He was given the all clear and was released later that night.
Cepillo may not have sustained a concussion in this case, but the collision, and many more like the one he had at the Azteca on Saturday only punctuate the fact that leagues around the world need to follow the EPL'S lead and install some kind, any kind of concussion protocol.
The Premier League's rules are not perfect, but it is a start. Liga MX could certainly ensure that there is an independent "tunnel doctor" to make the decision on whether or not a player can continue on the pitch. Take the decision out of the team doctor's hands and certainly out of the player's.
It should be clear to everyone that a sport where players use their head with regularity will always lead to injury. Which is why it so critical that head injuries and their aftermath have to be handled with the highest degree of care.
Even the magic sponge has its limitations.
One only has to think back to the 2008 Apertura final between Cruz Azul and Toluca. Cesar Villaluz, the talented starlet, was leveled in the box by a Toluca defender.
No penalty given, but that was the least of it. Villaluz was rushed to the hospital after sustaining a severe concussion. He was never the same player after the collision. A real shame.
Peralta returned to practice yesterday after given the all clear from the hospital. Let's hope for his sake that the tests he underwent were were thorough and conclusive. It would be nice, though, if there was a mandated, independent, 2nd opinion to get that green light.