Bournemouth stars involved in nasty head clash in opening minutes of Aston Villa game - leaving one bloodied and the other concussed - as fans fume after player is allowed to continue

Bournemouth's Premier League clash at Aston Villa saw a lengthy break in play during the first half after a worrying clash of heads between two of the visiting team's players.

Just minutes into the 2pm kick-off, Bournemouth duo Tyler Adams and Adam Smith laid stricken on the turf after vying for the same ball.

In a worry scene of events, players from both teams urgently called for the medical staff to run on to the pitch and come to the aid of the injured duo.

After treatment from club doctors and medical staff, both were eventually on their feet - sparking a heartwarming round of applause from the Villa Park crowd.

However, blood was pouring from Smith's head and he was taken to the sideline for further treatment as Bournemouth continued the match with 10 men.

And shortly after further medical assessments it was decided the Cherries captain was unable to continue and was replaced by Alex Jimenez on 10 minutes.

Adams' outlook was brighter although he appeared disorientated when he clamoured back to his feet. However, he was allowed to play on.

That decision was derided by some fans who took to social media, worried about Adams' well-being.

Former USA midfielder Taylor Twellman was among those condemning it, writing on X: Having just seen the head clash with Tyler Adams and Adam Smith...... can the @premierleague explain to me how Adams is allowed to continue???? Anyone with 2 eyes can see he was/is disoriented. Smith is off and Adams isn't.....make that make sense.'

'Horrifying they let Tyler Adams continue,' wrote one fan. 'He should have been subbed off along with Adam Smith. That was a brutal head to head collision.'

Another fan wrote: 'Why is Tyler Adams still on the pitch he looked like he had no idea where he was when he stood up.'

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