DUNDEE have denied that they failed to follow concussion protocols after Lewis Spence received a head knock in last weekend's defeat to Motherwell.

Supporters of both sides had raised concerns that Dens Park manager Neil McCann had overruled medical staff to order Spence back onto the field of play following the clash of heads with Allan Campbell, with Dundee already having used all three substitutes.

But Dundee have refuted those suggestions, explaining that the player did not in fact suffer a concussion and passed all precautionary checks carried out by their medical staff, meaning that he was fit and able to carry on participating in the match that his side eventually lost by three goals to one.

A statement given to Herald Sport read: "Emergency concussion checks were carried out by the medical staff at the side of the pitch.

"Lewis passed these checks and the medical staff were happy for him to continue. He was then assessed immediately post match.

"The medical team checked in with Lewis on Sunday and he was re-evaluated on Monday and has trained with the team this week."

The Scottish Football Association, in line with other sports bodies across the country, updated their concussion guidelines in March of this year.

Speaking at the time, Scotland’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Gregor Smith said: “These updated guidelines build on Scotland’s world-leading approach of creating one consistent, evidence-based policy towards concussion across all sports. They draw on recent international advances in the understanding of concussion and, in particular, of how to better rehabilitate people.

“The Scottish Government is committed to increasing the opportunities for people to play sport and be active. At the same time, the safety and wellbeing of all who participate is paramount and that’s why we’re reminding coaches, players and spectators that all concussions are serious. If there is any doubt over someone’s health or fitness to return to play, sit them out.”