Quote Originally Posted by ollie the optimist View Post
serious injury from a football in the face? behave, that wouldnt have done anything bar move a few hairs out of place. he was at no risk of serious injury or even injury.

id argue that guy he elbowed in the face against newcastle was more at risk of injury, but fergie wont comment on that
According to a former Premier League physio there could have been serious damage

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...iams-kick.html (Unfortunately from the Mail)

MARK LEATHER
Former Premier League physio

It's unlikely that being hit by the ball could have killed Van Persie. But being struck that hard from such a short distance could have knocked him out. I’ve seen players knocked out by free-kicks struck from 10 yards away.

If you are unconscious, there is then a risk of trauma to the brain. A blow that fierce is like being hit in boxing - the damage is unpredictable. It can lead to internal bleeding and permanent damage, or there can be just an aching head.