James McCarthy suffers horror leg break as West Brom star Salomon Rondon is left in tears after freak challenge
West Brom striker left crying as McCarthy stricken on the floor after suffering injury denying the Baggies ace a shot on goal
EVERTON star James McCarthy suffered a sickening double broken leg in a freak accident with West Brom striker Salomon Rondon.
Rondon was preparing to shoot when he was tackled by Everton star McCarthy during the Premier League clash at Goodison Park.
But the West Brom ace accidentally kicked the back of McCarthy’s leg – leaving the Republic of Ireland international stricken on the floor.
And afterwards, Toffees boss Allardyce says the 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international has broken his tibia AND fibula in the clash.
He said: “It’s a tibular and fibular fracture compounded. A very nasty injury.
“He’s paid a heavy price for his bravery and commitment. It’s a big blow for him and us.
“It’s a loss to us from now until the end of the season, it happens in the game of football but not often that severe.
“It was our own fault and our own stupid play in that area, James recovered brilliantly to stop a goal but suffered because of it.”
NICE ONE CYRILLE Cyrille Regis remembered as Premier League pays tribute to ex-West Brom ace
And as soon as Rondon saw what had happened to his opponent he broke down in tears, sickened at the sight.
He then chased referee Stuart Attwell pleading with him to call the Everton physios onto the pitch to help comfort McCarthy.
While Everton players rushed to help their injured team-mate, West Brom players were left to console the Venezuelan forward.
Play was held up for almost ten minutes as medics rushed to give oxygen to 27-year-old McCarthy while he lay in agony on the floor.
Doctors took time to ensure his right leg was kept supported as they fitted a splint before moving him onto a stretcher.
And the 28-year-old made a point of going over to speak to McCarthy and offer him his best wishes as he was carried from the field.
The sickening irony was that McCarthy suffered his injury desperately trying to stop his Everton side falling further behind in the match.
Sam Allardyce’s side were already trailing to a first half goal from Jay Rodriguez as West Brom searched a vital win to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation.
Only the intervention of McCarthy prevented Rondon from the opportunity of doubling their lead just after the hour.
And his tackle proved even more valuable just after play restarted following his substitution when Oumar Niasse scored to earn a draw.