Ireland lament big loss as Coleman has surgery on broken leg

DUBLIN: Ireland captain Seamus Coleman had surgery on his broken leg following a horror tackle by Wales’s Neil Taylor in the goalless World Cup qualifying draw in Dublin.

Taylor was sent off in the 71st minute at Lansdowne Road, with Everton fullback Coleman taken off on a stretcher after his right foot was left dangling by an ugly foul.

A Football Association of Ireland statement released on Saturday said that Coleman had fractured the fibula and tibia bones in his right leg following a challenge that effectively ended his season for both club and country.

“Seamus suffered a serious leg injury and has undergone surgery,” said Ireland manager Martin O’Neill.

“He has had an exceptional season with both club and country, and he will be a big loss.

“But Seamus is so mentally strong that when he has fully recovered he will be as brilliant as before,” former Leicester and Celtic manager O’Neill insisted.

Taylor was said to be “in bits” over his challenge, according to Wales team-mate Joe Allen.

Aston Villa’s Taylor was himself sidelined for eight months after breaking his ankle in 2012 and Allen added after Friday’s match: “Tayls is one of my best mates and he’s a great guy. He’s really disappointed that one of his tackles has ended up get- ting someone hurt.

“But unfortunately in football these things can happen.

“There was no malice in the tackle and he certainly wouldn’t have intended to hurt anyone.

“I know him as well as anyone and I think everyone is disappointed, and from Seamus’ point of view it doesn’t look great.”

Meanwhile, Wales midfielder Joe Ledley dismissed suggestions he laughed at Coleman’s injury.

During the course of lengthy on-field treatment, Coleman was given oxygen and it was at this point that Ledley was shown on television coverage.

A Twitter user then posted a screen grab where he questioned if Crystal Palace’s Ledley was grinning, leading others on social media to accuse him of laughing.

It was, however, possible to interpret Ledley’s response as grimacing in dismay at the extent of Coleman’s injury.

Ledley, who broke his leg just before the start of last year’s European Championship tweeted that anyone who thought he was laughing at Coleman “needs their heads testing”.

“My thoughts are with Seamus Coleman; I wish him a speedy road to recovery,” he added.

Friday’s result kept Ireland four points clear of Wales and level on points with new Group D leaders Serbia, who beat Georgia 3-1.