• The decision to allow Yazan back on the field for a few seconds after his initial fall sparked wide debate among specialists

Social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), saw extensive reactions from sports doctors and knee injury experts regarding the injury suffered by Jordanian forward Yazan Al-Naimat on Friday during the 2025 Arab Cup quarterfinal against Iraq.

Reactions from trusted (non-official, independent expert) medical accounts focused on analyzing the injury mechanism in detail.

One sports doctor explained that while attempting a dribble, Yazan’s right foot was fully planted, and his knee suddenly and sharply twisted inward with the joint bent.

Doctors confirmed that this type of movement, medically known as non-contact valgus rotation with a planted foot, is among the most common causes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.

They added that it is often accompanied by a medial meniscus tear due to the high pressure and rotational force exerted on the joint at that moment.

The decision to let Yazan return to the pitch for a few seconds after the initial fall sparked wide controversy among specialists.

Other doctors’ comments confirmed that this decision was a clear mistake, as it could turn a partial injury into a complete tear or worsen meniscus damage.

Some highlighted on social media that allowing Yazan back into play contributed to deepening the injury. One doctor warned:

“Every additional step Yazan takes after returning to the field following such a twist increases the risk of aggravating the ACL injury,” emphasizing the need for immediate removal in such cases.