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Benjamin Pavard injury at Euro 2020: France insist they followed UEFA protocol vs. Germany - sources

France national team senior figures have told ESPN they followed the UEFA concussion protocol with regards to Benjamin Pavard's head injury during their 1-0 win over Germany at Euro 2020 on Tuesday.

The Bayern Munich defender collided with Germany's Robin Gosens midway through the second half of their clash in Munich.

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FIFPRO had released a statement on Wednesday, to "find out why the Concussion Charter was not applied and subsequently Benjamin Pavard was not removed from the field of play during the Euro 2020 match between France and Germany."

However, France sources told ESPN they followed the exact UEFA concussion protocol. Sources added that while Pavard was groggy on the field, he did not lose consciousness and was ready to resume playing.

And this was confirmed by UEFA on Thursday in a statement which read: "UEFA has received detailed information from the French FA medical team on the course of events and is satisfied that the actions taken by the medical team were in line with the concussion protocol.

"According to the reports that we received from the team doctor, it seems that a loss of consciousness did not occur. The team doctor did not find any reason to suspect a concussion either on the pitch or after thorough assessment made by a renowned specialist in this field in later follow-up.

"The player will nevertheless continue to be closely monitored over the coming days. All 24 teams committed to follow the recommendations of the UEFA Concussion Charter before the start of the tournament and the responsibility for decision-making remains with the team doctor.

"If the team doctor has any doubts about unconsciousness or signs of concussion, he should remove the player from the field. The team doctor is the ONLY person who can take the decision for the player to stay on the pitch or be substituted. The team doctor's decision must always be respected, even if the player or the coach believes that the player is fit to continue."

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, France and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane said: "It's very good that we talk a bit more about concussions, it's very looked after in rugby but it's important as well that we follow it in football.

"We have to be vigilant. I was close to the action and I got to close to Benjamin. He needed a bit of time to be totally good but the doctor arrived quickly and they saw that he was totally conscious and ready to play again.

"It took longer because he had a nose bleed but he could play. I saw he was 100%. Today, he is very well. The doctor was attentive and played their role so there would not be a problem because the health of the players is a priority."

Speaking after the match, Pavard said: "I took a hell of a shock. I was a little knocked out for 10 to 15 seconds. After that it was better."

Pavard had no issues after the match and awoke on Wednesday without any symptoms, according to ESPN sources.

France won the match 1-0 thanks to a Mats Hummels own goal and face Hungary in Budapest on Saturday in their next fixture.