Former Wales striker has branded Neil Taylor horror challenge on Seamus Coleman as ‘Reckless and Irresponsible’
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JOHN HARTSON has branded Neil Taylor's horror tackle on Seamus Coleman as "reckless and irresponsible."
The former Wales striker admits he can't defend Taylor, who saw red for his shocking challenge that broke the Everton defender's leg in the World Cup qualifier in Dublin.
Hartson told BBC Football Focus:"You're thoughts immediately go to Seamus Coleman and we wish him a full and speedy recovery"
"He's apologised and rightly so, I believe he went into the Republic of Ireland dressing room to apologise right away" Hartson added.
"It's ok saying it was unintentional - Most of the guys generally like each other, there's mutual respect in football"
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Hartson continued:"I don't think anyone goes onto a football field with the intention of breaking someones leg - It's an awful tackle, there's no getting away from that and I can't defend it"
Coleman is undergoing surgery in Dublin on Saturday after he suffered the break at the Aviva stadium.
The Ireland captain will have screws inserted in his right leg and is expected to be sidelined for at least six months.
Republic boss Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane visited Coleman in hospital on Friday night ahead of the Everton star's surgery today.
Toffess boss Ronald Koeman - who has been robbed of his star player's services for this season and beyond - also made contact with the Donegal man to check on him.