Switzerland defender Fabian Schar was knocked unconscious in a European Championship qualifier against Georgia this weekend after a brutal clash of heads with Georgia’s Jemal Tabidze, and many think he shouldn’t have been allowed to carry on.
Schar, who plays his club football for Newcastle, went up for a corner in the 23rd minute but he soon found himself in a life-threatening situation.
He was quickly placed in the recovery position and in a life-saving move from Georgian player Jano Ananidze, he put his hand in Schar’s mouth to free his tongue.
Schar had, in fact, swallowed his tongue but thanks to the quick thinking of Ananidze, he was soon on his feet.
Remarkably, and perhaps concerningly, after four minutes of treatment he was deemed fit enough to continue.
The Newcastle defender told Swiss newspaper Blick that he can’t remember anything from the incident:
“It looks awful. I can’t remember anything. I was out for a few seconds.” he said.
“My skull is still humming. And I’ve got neck ache and a bruise on my forehead. But it was worth it.”
The fact that Shar was given the green light to carry on was questioned on social media during and after the game.
