TAYLOR: I AM SO SORRY SEAMUS
But Wales defender faces lengthy FIFA ban
NEIL TAYLOR has spoken to seamus Coleman to express his deep remorse over the tackle that broke the Everton defender’s leg, as it emerged FIFA have begun disciplinary action against the Wales international.
Taylor called Coleman this week after obtaining his number from mutual team- mate Ashley Williams and made clear his sorrow that his badly- timed challenge had unintentionally caused such damage.
Coleman, who was discharged from st Vincent’s Hospital in dublin on Wednesday, is expected to be out for at least six months. But Taylor could also face a lengthy spell away from international duty after FIFA yesterday confirmed they will investigate the incident from last Friday’s World Cup qualifier.
Taylor is already suspended for his country’s next match against serbia in June. He is also likely to miss the games against Austria and Moldova in september as world football’s governing body look at extending the ban due to the severe repercussions.
standard FIFA regulations only impose a one-match suspension for red cards arising from serious foul play but the sanction can be increased depending on circumstances.
There is no fixed timescale for the process to be completed and no maximum limit on the number of matches in a ban.
‘We can confirm that proceedings have been opened,’ said a FIFA spokesman.
Under similar rules, Wayne rooney was banned for three matches, reduced to two on appeal, after being sent off for kicking Miodrag dzudovic during England’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro in october 2011.
Taylor is likely to accept whatever punishment is meted out, having been distraught that his slide tackle for a loose ball in the 69th minute of Ireland’s qualifier against Wales at the Aviva stadium broke Coleman’s leg in two places.
After the game Taylor was found with his head in his hands.
‘neil was sitting on the floor virtually in tears,’ said Williams. According to Chris Coleman, the left back then went to the Irish dressing room to apologise but the Everton player was already receiving treatment from doctors.
Sportsmail understands Taylor instead spoke to roy Keane. Keane had told Irish players to tackle hard on Gareth Bale in the build- up to the game and is thought to have appreciated that Taylor’s challenge contained no malice.
Alongside Williams, Taylor wanted to go and see Coleman in hospital in the aftermath of the 0-0 draw but with the Irishman’s family present and doctors wishing him rest, the logistics did not work.
However, Williams did supply Taylor with Coleman’s number and after a text exchange the call was placed at the start of this week.
Taylor is believed to have expressed his sincere regret over the incident and hopes that Coleman makes a quick recovery.
He has not said anything publicly because of a desire to offer his words directly to the player he injured.
Williams, the Everton and Wales defender, said: ‘When I found out it was a broken leg, it made me feel sick because it’s one of my mates. His determination will help with his rehab. Hopefully we’ll have him back sooner rather than later.’
Coleman left hospital after a successful operation but he may not play again until 2018. Taylor has been training with Aston Villa since Monday and is expected to play against norwich tomorrow.