Josh Brownhill Burnley injury latest as Vincent Kompany labels astro turf ‘dangerous’

Vincent Kompany has criticized the use of artificial turf at the side of football pitches after Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill was forced off injured after twisting his cleats in the tie against Blackpool.

The spoils were shared on Bloomfield Road this afternoon as the Seasiders harbored the Clarets. The visitors had the better chances, but the hosts defended with determination as neither side could break the block.

Midfielder Brownhill was only able to play 25 minutes before limping away. He was treated by the medical team on the sidelines after apparently catching his foot on an artificial turf there.

CONTINUE READING: Burnley player ratings vs Blackpool as Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Josh Cullen are good in the draw

After the draw, Kompany criticized the use of such artificial turf and the risk of injury they can pose to players wearing cleats. He recounted an incident from his time as a Manchester City player when Peter Odemwingie tore his ACL playing for West Bromwich Albion.

The Clarets boss has expressed these concerns as a player in the past, calling their use “ridiculous”. He will maintain this view until the use of artificial grass pitches is changed.

He said: “I’m very much against artificial turf standing on the side of football pitches, it just doesn’t make any sense at all. I remember when they first started doing it, I think it was at the Etihad and I saw Peter Odemwingie doing his ACL right in front of us.

“You wear your cleats on the grass, of course, but try to walk with them on artificial grass, it’s dangerous and doesn’t make sense. That’s how you get injuries like that.