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TIMOTHY FOSU-MENSAH was slammed for a reckless challenge that "could've broken" Troy Deeney's leg.

The Manchester United loanee, playing at Fulham, went in studs up on the Watford talisman during the first half at Craven Cottage.

 Timothy Fosu-Mensah avoided a red for this challenge
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Timothy Fosu-Mensah avoided a red for this challengeCredit: Sky Sports

Referee Martin Atkinson stunned viewers by brandishing just a yellow for what many deemed a red-card offence.

Fosu-Mensah lunged in on Deeney during the 32nd minute with the score 1-0 to the visitors.

He was lucky to stay on the pitch, with Fulham's own Twitter account labelling the challenge "dangerous".

One social media user fumed: "I hope the FA are watching the Fulham game. Fosu-Mensah could've broken his [Deeney] leg with that cowardly challenge."

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 The Watford man clatters into Fosu-Mensah during the first-half flashpoint
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The Watford man clatters into Fosu-Mensah during the first-half flashpointCredit: Sky Sports
 Deeney was left clutching his leg
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Deeney was left clutching his legCredit: Sky Sports
 The Man Utd loanee escaped with just a warning
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The Man Utd loanee escaped with just a warningCredit: Reuters
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Another said: "Fosu-Mensah should be off. A red all day long."

One comment read: "Obvious red card for Fosu-Mensah. Horrible foul."

A fellow user wrote: "Fosu-Mensah tackle a pretty good example of why VAR is needed. Ref didn't get a clear look, but fairly obvious red on the first replay."

Pundit Andy Gray said: "That is a terrible tackle. Troy Deeney's a lucky man. If the weight was on Deeney's leg there he could easily have snapped him.

 The Fulham player checks on Deeney after his horror lunge
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The Fulham player checks on Deeney after his horror lungeCredit: AFP or licensors

"The fact Troy got his foot off the ground meant when he made contact it's not as serious."

And Jamie Redknapp said Fosu-Mensah's challenge was a "leg-breaker".

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