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Cole call

Neil Taylor makes contact with Seamus Coleman as Fifa consider imposing a lengthy ban on the Wales defender

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce claims Taylor is 'saddened' and 'won't forget' the horror leg break sustained by Irish defender

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NEIL TAYLOR has made direct contact with Seamus Coleman over the horror leg break tackle which has seen Fifa open a disciplinary case against the Wales star.

The remorseful defender faces a lengthy ban following confirmation the governing body will investigate the double leg-break challenge on the Republic of Ireland captain, 28, in last Friday’s World Cup qualifier.

 Neil Taylor was unsurprisingly shown a straight red card for the horror tackle at Seamus Coleman, but he has since called the Everton man
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Neil Taylor was unsurprisingly shown a straight red card for the horror tackle at Seamus Coleman, but he has since called the Everton manCredit: Sportsfile

Taylor spoke to Coleman this week after getting his mobile number off mutual friend Ashley Williams.


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It is understood Taylor expressed his sorrow over the tackle, which unintentionally caused such damage, as well as wishing Coleman a quick recovery.

Taylor, who should return to action for the first time since the incident for Aston Villa against Norwich tomorrow, will be banned for Wales’ next match against Serbia in June.

 Seamus Coleman is expected to be out of action for at least six months
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Seamus Coleman is expected to be out of action for at least six monthsCredit: PA:Press Association

And Taylor, 28, looks likely to miss future qualifiers in the autumn as football chiefs plan to extend the suspension.

Fifa regulations impose only a one-match ban for red cards arising from serious foul play but can increase the sanction.

A spokesperson said: “Proceedings have been opened.”

Wales boss Chris Coleman revealed ‘devastated’ full-back Taylor went to the Irish dressing room to apologise but Coleman was on his way to hospital.

 Seamus Coleman suffered a double leg break after this tackle from Neil Taylor
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Seamus Coleman suffered a double leg break after this tackle from Neil TaylorCredit: Sportsfile
 Steve Bruce has revealed Neil Taylor is 'saddened' by his tackle on Seamus Coleman
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Steve Bruce has revealed Neil Taylor is 'saddened' by his tackle on Seamus ColemanCredit: Reuters

SunSport understands Taylor also spoke to Ireland No2 Roy Keane, who is thought to have appreciated Taylor’s challenge contained no ill intent.

Meanwhile, Taylor's club boss Steve Bruce had his say on the event, describing his defender as 'saddened', at the incident.

Aston Villa chief Bruce said: “Neil Taylor is very disappointed. It’s saddened him. You don’t want to see a fellow pro get injured.

 Neil Taylor faces a lengthy ban for the tackle that broke Seamus Coleman's leg
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Neil Taylor faces a lengthy ban for the tackle that broke Seamus Coleman's legCredit: Sportsfile

"[He] has got to try and get on with it. He won’t forget about it. He’s saddened."

Everton, with Coleman and James McCarthy already crocked over the international break, received further bad news as defender Ramiro Funes Mori could be out for the rest of the season.

He suffered a knee injury playing for Argentina in Tuesday’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Bolivia.

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