Pochettino: Vertonghen passed tests despite fears of concussion

Tottenham's medical staff followed the necessary protocol before allowing Jan Vertonghen to return to action Tuesday, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Vertonghen suffered a gash to the nose and apparent concussion-like symptoms following a clash of heads in Tuesday's Champions League semifinal first leg against Ajax. Team doctors assessed the 32-year-old before allowing him to re-enter the pitch, but the Belgian ultimately couldn't continue and nearly collapsed as he took himself out of play.

But Pochettino told reporters that his team did everything right.

"I was not involved. It was the doctor's decision. It's so important that the rules and the protocols are there, and our medical staff followed the protocols," the Argentine said, according to the Guardian's David Hytner. "The referee asked and the action we needed to take was to take him out because he did not feel well.

"Now he is OK, now he is good. He was walking away (from the stadium), he was more relaxed."

Former United States international Taylor Twellman, who suffered a career-ending concussion in 2010, criticized the club's staff for their "pathetic" and "disgusting" treatment of Vertonghen.

"Don't take risks with head injuries," Ajax manager Erik ten Hag told beIN Sports.

It's not the first time Tottenham's medical staff has come under scrutiny. Hugo Lloris was allowed to continue playing in November 2013 despite being knocked out in a collision with then-Everton striker Romelu Lukaku. Lloris couldn't remember the incident.