SOUTHAMPTON star Jan Bednarek appeared to be left fuming after being told he had to be substituted against Arsenal.
The defender landed awkwardly on the floor after a coming together with Gabriel Martinelli.
Bednarek initially lay motionless on the deck, with doctors rushing on to treat him.
However, after standing up he appeared to insist he was ok to continue playing.
The Poland international appeared to plead with medics to let him play on following the coming together.
But Bednarek was overruled by the Southampton medical team and subbed off for Duje Caleta-Car shortly before half-time.
Even an Arsenal club doctor appeared to back up the Southampton medical team in not allowing Bednarek to continue, according to the Evening Standard.
Fans on social media were impressed by Bednarek’s commitment to the cause, but praised the medical team for making the decision to stop him from playing on.
One Southampton account wrote on Twitter: “Have to admire the commitment from Bednarek but the medics were spot on to stop him from coming back on.”
Another supporter wrote: “Glad common sense (and medical protocols) prevailed re Bednarek.”
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A third said: “Well done to the Southampton medical staff for not allowing Bednarek to come back on with a head injury.”
And a fourth added: “Class from both sides. Great to see a football player that still wants to push through for his team and care about the badge. Even better that there’s a medical team that can override said passion in the name of player safety.”
Speaking on Sky Sports’ commentary, Gary Neville said: “Bednarek is disappointed but sometimes you just need your medical staff to look after you.
“He is arguing with his medical team, [the] doctor from Arsenal team is coming up to him and saying you are off.
“I don’t like them (falls). Good work from the medical team, they stood their ground, not easy.”
Southampton took a shock lead at the league leaders just 28 seconds into the game after a howler from Aaron Ramsdale.
Theo Walcott scored against his former club to double the Saints’ lead, before Martinelli pulled one back for Arsenal.
But Bednarek’s replacement, Caleta-Car, restored the visitors’ two-goal lead after the break.
However, two late goals from Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka saw the hosts fight back to draw the game 3-3.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
