IF THE CAP SUITS

Ryan Mason, 26 years old, signed from Spurs and was playing for Hull City, when he suffered a shocking head injury against Chelsea on 22nd January, clashing with Gary Cahill. He was put in an induced coma. Since he regained consciousness, he suffered characteristic symptoms of loss of speech and not being about to suffer bright lights. A CT scan suggests that his future in football must be in danger, so at the moment his career is in the balance. See photo below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECCvdAs4IwE

Due to the nature of the game, head injuries are likely to happen and Petr Cech, the Premier League's "senior" goalkeeper at 35 years old, has become an "ambassador" for head injuries. Cech suffered a serious head injury in 2006 against Reading and since he has recovered, he has worn a skull cap, which is easier to do in goal rather than outfield.

Cech visited Mason as soon as he could to talk to the Hull player and share his experience. Cech appreciated that Mason didn't want to talk much, so Cech spoke about his personal experience for over an hour. Mason was so impressed by this gesture and the advice given, that he would like to carry on spreading the word to his fellow footballers.

So as Ryan Mason thinks about returning to play, he may well be wearing a skull cap, like Cech. He wonders is this will become common place for outfield players. This is the full interview on Talksport between Ryan Mason and Jim White. Worth a listen?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxjFQ_8BWpA

Fernando Torres has suffered a similar injury......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2beBoRrCsI

I have written before about the close link between heading football and dementia;

http://baileyfootballblog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/we-will-remember-them-50-years-on.html

and of course heading in youth football is not necessarily encouraged!