Wales’ Neil Taylor given two-match ban by Fifa for shocking Seamus Coleman challenge that broke Ireland defender’s leg

WALES defender Neil Taylor has been given a two-match ban for his shocking challenge that broke Seamus Coleman's leg.

Taylor's challenge made headlines when he lunged in on Coleman last month and stomach-turning images of the Irishman's lower limb immediately showed the bones were snapped.

There will be surprise in many quarters that Taylor's suspension is only two matches, not least the Football Association of Ireland.

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The two sides ended up drawing the game 0-0 with Wales needing a win to keep their World Cup qualifying bid on course.

But the result was overshadowed by the incident that left fans all over the world shocked.

Taylor, 28, phoned Coleman to apologise for the tackle that has left the defender facing several months out of the game following surgery on his tibia and fibula.

The Football Association of Wales confirmed the ban, saying: "Taylor is regarded as having breached article 48 of the Fifa disciplinary code."

Taylor will now miss the Dragon's must-win trip to Serbia on June 11 and their match with Austria in Cardiff on September 2.

The Villa player's club manager Steve Bruce ended up having to come out and defend Taylor's temperament after he was targeted with abuse.

Bruce said: "He is disappointed and he has to live with it.

"It does happen. He's been very good since he came here. It is unfortunate that it has happened to him. He has got our support.

"We feel desperately disappointed and saddened for Seamus. Our thoughts are with him for a speedy recovery."