PAIN GAME: Pages 54-55

COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney and his goalscoring hero Brad Lyons have thanked the players from both sides who rushed to the midfielder’s aid after he suffered a horror facial injury against Linfield.

But the Bannsiders ace needs an operation and is now out of action until the second half of the season. In an incident packed and controversial 2-1 victory for the league leaders at the Showgrounds Lyons, who had netted the opener, collapsed following an aerial challenge.

But, after players from both teams quickly alerted medical staff, he received lengthy treatment.

The 20-year-old (right) later learned he had suffered two fractured cheekbones and said: “I will need an operation, thank you for the kind messages and support. A massive thank you to all the boys involved from both teams, it really means a lot.”

Kearney said: “Lots of players know each other and have friendships so I’m not surprised that both sets of players rushed to Brad and I’d expect the same if the injury happened in the other penalty area.”

Mark Haughey equalised for the Blues but the game ended in controversy when referee Arnold Hunter and his assistants concluded that Jamie McGonigle’s late strike had crossed the line despite Josh Robinson’s clearance.

Linfield boss David Healy was sent off amid the protests and refused to speak to the media afterwards.

McGonigle said: “I think the ball went in. That’s why I went celebrating straight away.”

Kearney added: “The linesman put his flag up straight away. I’ve stood here many times on the receiving end of contested decisions, but looking back at the footage it is very hard to make a judgement.”