Players knocked unconscious in English football in the forthcoming season will not be allowed to return to the pitch under new rules on head injuries which are coming into force.

In the Premier League, the team doctor will have the final say on whether a player can continue after such an injury.

While the issue of concussion has been on the agenda in sports like rugby and American football in recent years, events at the recent World Cup raised the prospect of new protocols in soccer.

Uruguayan footballer Alvaro Pereira was knocked unconscious during the 2 - 1 win over England but was allowed to return to the field.

Tottenham and France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was also at the centre of controversy during the last Premier League season, having been allowed back onto the pitch despite suffering concussion after a collision.