Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has been labelled a “caveman” by fellow pundit Chris Sutton in a television debate.
The pair were working for BT Sport’s coverage of the Champions League last-16 tie between Benfica and Ajax.
Both Owen and Sutton were discussing the concussion protocols that are currently in place in football.
The most recent incident saw Leeds United’s Robin Koch carry on playing against Manchester United at the weekend despite suffering from a clash of heads - although the club say the defender was okay to continue playing before being substituted 15 minutes after the incident.
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When discussing the concussion protocols, Sutton was strongly in favour of the relevant football governing bodies doing more to help the welfare of players.
When asked if football needed to do more to protect players, Sutton told BT Sport: “Absolutely. Until IFAB step up and change the concussion protocols, they are not looking after player welfare.
“Player welfare isn’t put first within the game.
"He needs to come off the pitch to the sanctuary of the dressing room and get checked by an independent doctor.
“In the meantime, he is replaced by a temporary substitute so you are not numerically disadvantaged.
“It is common sense. Why are IFAB not stepping up?”
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Former Liverpool striker Owen then replied, saying: “Because bumps and bangs on the head,..”
Before Owen could finish his point, Sutton said: "Hang on a minute, concussion is a bump and a bang. How do you know that is not a concussion?”
Owen then replied: “If you take what you say to an extreme, every time they roll around holding their leg, they have broken their leg.”
Sutton, clearly angry with Owen’s comments, said: “Michael, that is the view of a caveman. Football needs to catch up”
Before the pair could carry on their intense debate, presenter Seema Jaswal then had to interrupt the duo to return back to the live action between Benfica and Ajax.
