PFA concern over keeper injuries tribalfooball.com - January 02, 2007
The injuries to goalkeepers this season have led the PFA to investigate the efficiency of the emergency services at stadiums.
Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi was carried off on a stretcher after an horrific looking fall on his head against Watford, 11 weeks after Chelsea's Petr Cech suffered a fractured skull against Reading.
Shay Given had a tear in his bowel following a challenge in Newcastle's match at West Ham, with surgeons comparing the impact of the injury to that of a car crash.
"We've had a number of serious injuries, particularly to goalkeepers, and it highlights the precariousness of the profession," said PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor. "It's not a piece of cake out there.
"We've had discussions with the Premier League on making sure that all immediate possible medical facilities are at hand, particularly with ambulances to get them to hospital as quickly as possible.
"That is something that we're wanting to make sure of and are checking up on. While there needs to be ambulance facilities for spectators, we're looking to make sure that everything is in place for a quick and speedy action when emergency treatment is needed.
"The Petr Cech case was a reminder that we should make sure that everything possible that can be done is being done to avoid any possible tragedy."
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