At first I wasn’t sure because the TV stations decided against showing a replay that was conclusive.

I have now seen this footage and it is as clear as crystal. The challenge made by Martin Taylor was one of the worst in football history.

Frame-by-frame footage has thankfully been removed by most video portals but anyone who has seen the images will have been shocked by the gruesome leg-breaking challenge.

'I don’t think Taylor should become a scapegoat but he should be dealt with according to the actions he committed, which were frankly outrageous'


I am not sure what would be a suitable punishment for such a tackle; it seems difficult to call for criminal proceedings as what happens on a football field should really stay within the confines of the footballing fraternity. So with this in mind I feel a lengthy punishment is called for.

I am not suggesting a huge year-long penalty, as has been mentioned by many. But clearly Taylor should at least be banned until the season ends.

There do seem to have been an alarming number of such studs-up challenges in recent months and something needs to be done. I don’t think Taylor should become a scapegoat but he should be dealt with according to the actions he committed, which were frankly outrageous.

I don’t think it helps when opposing fans suggest: ''Well, what about what happened last week or the week before'' whilst recounting another such horrendous challenge that  was neither here nor there.

All bad challenges should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. In this case, I don’t think you can argue that a three-match ban is sufficient as this was a tackle that warrants far weightier punishment.

One can only hope that Eduardo recovers but having seen in minute detail what occurred, frankly it doesn’t look good. I just hope he can make it back to a football pitch before too long.