Varane sparks call for culture change

RAPHAEL VARANE has been praised for "raising awareness" on concussion, with experts warning it must lead to a culture change in football.

- John Cross

Players are being told to do a "maximum of 10 higher-force headers" in training each week as part of a major drive into the dangers of brain injury within the game.

Manchester United defender Varane spoke up to reveal he pulled out of a game this season after flagging up symptoms of concussion and has urged other players not to be afraid to do the same.

The players' union, the Professional Footballers' Association, has a brain health team that offers support to former members and their families living with dementia.

But they also go into clubs on a regular basis to speak to current players about dangers and how to prevent future problems.

The team are led by Dr Adam White and supported by Dawn Astle, above, and Rachel Walden, who have powerful voices as they are daughters of players who died of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), along with two ex-players.