Saints defend North 'concussion' call
The 24-year-old star – who went on an enforced five-month break from the game after suffering four head blows in five months between November 2014 and March 2015 – looked to be unconscious when he lay prone with his head pressed into the turf after a tackle by Leicester's Adam Thompstone on Saturday.
Thompstone earned a spell in the sin bin for the 17th-minute tackle whilst North – who lay head pressed into the turf and seemingly oblivious to the world – underwent a long spell of medical attention on the pitch before being taken off for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA).
He returned to action minutes later and played through to the end but was unable to prevent the Tigers defeating the Saints 19-11.
Former England and British and Irish Lions back Ugo Monye, now a television pundit, said North should not have returned to the fray.
"I don't think George North should be on the pitch it's a simple as that," said the 33-year-old.
"If there is any suspicion that someone has lost consciousness you should be taken off the pitch. You should not take any further part in the game.
"Health is paramount and considering his history he should not be taking part in the second half."
Mallinder said it was up to the club doctor whether a player is passed fit to continue or not.
"I don't make those decisions and our doctors and medical staff are really clear that if anyone gets knocked unconscious or has had a knock where they look like they are unconscious, they need to come straight off," he said.
"It's as simple as that. You don't go to be assessed – you are off straight away. George has had some previous issues so he took it steady.
"The doctor was very, very happy even as he walked off that he was just going to go for an assessment and thankfully he could come back on.
"Our doctor makes those decisions but there are protocols that go on with people looking at the incident."
North for his part tweeted that he was fine.
"Thanks for all the messages. I am OK," said North.
"I landed on my neck and was worried about it. Thanks to the medics for checking me out properly. I can't help but feel I won't be looking left or right for a few days."
Agence France-Presse
Thanks for all the messages. I am ok. I landed on my neck and was worried about it. Thanks to the medics for checking me out properly. 1/2
— George North (@George_North) December 3, 2016
I can't help but feel I won't be looking left or right for a few days. Thanks again for the messages. Onwards to Europe. 2/2
— George North (@George_North) December 3, 2016
