World Cup 2018: Morocco star Nordin Amrabat breaks Fifa guidelines by playing against Portugal… and then throws off his protective cap in a rage
Watford winger should have waited six days before playing due to concussion picked up against Iran, but returned after five
MOROCCO star Nordin Amrabat broke Fifa guidelines by playing against Portugal, and then made even more of a mockery of them during the match.
The Watford winger, 31, should have waited six days before playing due to a concussion he sustained against Iran on Friday... but returned after five.
On top of that, the protective cap he was ordered to wear came flying off after just 16 minutes when Amrabat tore it off and flung it into touch in a rage.
Amrabat was taken off in Morocco's opener against Iran - a 1-0 defeat - after a 72nd-minute clash of heads with Vahid Amiri on Friday.
Fifa guidelines state concussed footballers should rest for at least six days, with Amrabat somehow getting back on the pitch after just five.
During the opening game in St Petersburg, Morocco's medical team left viewers stunned with their treatment of the Hornets star.
First of all, Amrabat had water sprayed all over him, before the doctors repeatedly slapped him around the face.
After the game, team staff revealed the winger showed "clear signs of cerebral concussion" - so it was something of a surprise when he was deemed fit for Portugal.
Moments after chucking the protective cap off the field of play, Amrabat went up for a header with Raphael Guerreiro and appeared to catch an arm to the skull.
Morocco were trailing 1-0 at the time of losing the headpiece... with Headway chief executive Peter McCabe slating the move.
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McCabe revealed: "On the face of it this appears to be a scant disregard for Fifa's concussion protocols.
"The decision to allow this player to take to the field not only put his short and long-term health and career at risk but it also set a appalling example for the millions of fans and players around the world.
“Fifa must act – and act decisively - in order to send a clear message that breaches of this vital safety protocol will not be tolerated.”