Wales midfielder Joe Ledley has hit back at suggestions he was seen laughing following the horrific leg break suffered by Ireland captain Seamus Coleman in their World Cup qualifier on Friday.
Coleman was recklessly tackled by Neil Taylor during the second half and images of the incident and immediate aftermath show Coleman with a clear lower leg deformity.
As Taylor was given his marching orders for the tackle and as players and medics came to Coleman’s aid, fans reacted with anger as images appeared to show Ledley smiling as his back is turned to the Coleman.
Joe Ledley.
What a prick. #IRLWAL pic.twitter.com/bcXNOuCxMO
— Matt Smith (@RustyRoyal) March 24, 2017
Following a torrent of online abuse, the 30-year-old, who suffered a similar leg break only last year, has responded via his Twitter account to defend himself.
I didn't want to acknowledge the nonsense on here but to those who have wrongly interpreted & commented………
— Joe Ledley (@joe16led) March 25, 2017
……on what my thoughts were at that moment in time need their heads testing.
— Joe Ledley (@joe16led) March 25, 2017
………My thoughts are with Seamus Coleman & I wish him a speedy road to recovery.
— Joe Ledley (@joe16led) March 25, 2017
His strong retort online certainly sounds like the kind of reaction that would come from someone who has been on the receiving end of such a serious injury.
Coleman’s injury was the unfortunate talking point of a physical 0-0 draw between the two sides in Dublin and now with the Irishman’s season all but over, Ireland must now contend with an ever growing injury list ahead of their next match against Iceland on Tuesday.
Gary Brennan, Pundit Arena
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