When Neil Taylor found out that he had broken Seamus Coleman’s leg, all he wanted to do was talk to him.
There was a grim atmosphere in the away dressing room in the Aviva Stadium as both sides learned of how badly Coleman emerged from that horror tackle.
Seeing the Republic of Ireland captain stretchered off the pitch with an oxygen mask strapped to his face had everyone fearing the worst, then when the news started spreading after the final whistle blew, both teams were dejected.
Taylor, the man who was sent off for the foul, was slumped to the ground on the verge of tears. He asked Ashley Williams if he could visit Coleman in hospital, but only family were being allowed into the ward at the time. Williams gave him the Donegal man’s number and he immediately sent a text.
He must have known already https://t.co/bQuft8A7vK
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) March 29, 2017
After exchanging text messages, Taylor rang Coleman to apologise and express his regret over the awful challenge.
Jamie Moralee, who represents Williams as an agent, revealed to Sportsmail that Taylor had made the call. Coleman confirmed this to the Sunday Times, explaining that he harbours no ill will towards the Welshman.
“I did, yeah. Look, football is a contact sport. No player goes out to break another player’s leg on a football pitch. There’s no hard feelings. I’ve got my own journey to concentrate on.”
Pure class from Coleman.
He has every right to be angry about the dangerous tackle, but he knows that holding a grudge would be a waste of time and energy. He’s putting all his focus into the road to recovery.
