Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman suffered a broken leg during his country’s goalless draw against Wales at the Aviva Stadium during Friday night’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The 28-year-old was given oxygen before being carried off on a stretcher following a horrible challenge from Aston Villa defender Neil Taylor in the 68th minute.
Everton full-back Coleman, who earned his 44th cap for Ireland last night, is now set to miss Everton’s push for a top five finish in the English top-flight this term after last night’s horrific injury.
Wales manager Chris Coleman admitted after the game that left-back Taylor, who was sent off for his challenge on Coleman, was “despondent” following his dismissal.
“First and foremost, the most important thing is Seamus Coleman,” he said.
“Neil Taylor is not really that type of player, but it’s a tough one for Seamus.
“Our thoughts are with him. I have not seen it again.”
Well, plenty of Villa fans have in fact watched Friday night’s leg break over and over again, and here is how they reacted to their player’s offence.
Let’s say a ‘minority’ of supporters showcased some sort of sympathy for their January signing…
Just hope Neil Taylor is ok and not effected by the unforeseeable consequence of an accidental late challenge #avfc #allicareaboutisavfc
— T Smith (@nafallivnotsa) March 25, 2017
Hope Seamus Coleman recovers quickly. Taylor will be distraught, he isn’t sort of player to intentionally hurt an opponent. #EFC #AVFC
— Kevin Hughes (@kevinhughes348) March 24, 2017
Massive overreaction to the Taylor challenge genuine 50/50. 2 honest players going for the ball wishing SC a speedy recovery. #IrevWal #AVFC
— KKay Kasir (@Kkasir23) March 24, 2017
Nothing wrong with that taylor challenge for me just really unlucky, if he gets there a split second earlier world class tackle #avfc
— Dale Wootton (@BOOMBEEF) March 24, 2017
However, the majority of fans just simply couldn’t defend their left-back…
Simply cannot defend that Neil Taylor tackle doesn’t matter if he isn’t that type of player or if it was intentional or not horrific #avfc
— Alan Horan (@AlanH0101) March 25, 2017
That Neil Taylor tackle is hideous #AVFC
— Dan Hemming (@DanHemming) March 25, 2017
Looks like we’ll need a new left back after all the abuse Neil Taylor is getting on here. #avfc
— Ryan Brayshaw (@RJBrayshaw) March 24, 2017
Love Neil Taylor but that tackle was horrific #avfc
— Sanjay singh (@SanjaySingh_x) March 24, 2017
Oh, Taylor, what have you done. #IRLWAL #AVFC
— theo AVFC (@theoavfc) March 25, 2017
So silly from taylor. #avfc #COYBIG
— Emmett Carey (@3MMETT_c4R3y) March 24, 2017