Overview
- Sky Sports reported that Granit Xhaka’s late-game absence followed blood-injury procedures and referee re-entry criteria, not the mandatory 30-second concussion wait.
- Gary Neville condemned the head-injury framework during the broadcast, calling it “absolute madness” and urging a rule change.
- Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett labeled the law “stupid” and urged IFAB to allow leniency, citing Dan Burn’s injury after Nordi Mukiele’s yellow-card challenge.
- Sunderland beat Newcastle 1-0 at the Stadium of Light via a Nick Woltemade own goal in a fiery Tyne-Wear derby.
- Reporting indicates a mass brawl could bring disciplinary action for both clubs, with processes expected to follow.