Wolves’ Carl Ikeme could miss the rest of the season after punching tactics board following first-half howler.
Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was at fault for conceding a shocking goal over the weekend, but to make matters worse he had to be substituted at half-time for punching the tactics board.
It’s now been confirmed that he broke his hand in the incident, meaning the club’s first-choice ‘keeper could now miss the rest of their relegation fight.
The 26-year-old had vented his frustration in the dressing room after allowing a David Davis back-pass to squirm through his legs in Saturday’s crucial 2-1 victory over Bristol City.
It’s reported that he clashed with manager Dean Saunders and reacted by punching the tactics board – unfortunately hitting a metal part that led to the break.
Saunders had previously played down the incident suggesting the injury happened in the first half.
“Carl hurt his hand on the pitch and that made my mind up,” he told BBC West Midlands.
But he has since defended the ‘keeper by saying the incident happened out of sheer frustration, confirming he won’t be fined in the process.
“After the game I didn’t know he had broken his hand,’ said the Welshman.
“I have tried to protect Carl and the club and keep everything that went on in the dressing room within the dressing room.
“I am forever rollicking the players and what is said in the dressing room doesn’t normally come out of there. I just tried to protect Carl after the game because with the situation we were in it wasn’t something I wanted to talk about.
“I wanted to protect Carl and protect what goes on inside the dressing room but now it has all come out I have a responsibility to let the supporters know why he’s not available to play.”
Saunders added: “Carl was frustrated at making his mistake and has punched the tactics board which is only cardboard but there is a metal bar at the back of it which has damaged his hand.
“He has not meant to break his hand – Kevin Doyle kicked the corner flag after scoring his goal and he could have ended up breaking his foot!
“Every single one of us has punched something or pushed something out of frustration but you don’t expect to cause yourself injury.
“I’m not sure whether he will be out for the season but it will be for some weeks. He is our No 1 goalkeeper and will probably feel more stupid about it than anyone.
“I’ve spoken to him and he can barely talk to be honest with you, he’s that disappointed.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLOw9eQiPM8
Sport Is Everything. Mark Maher.
