unlucky
Steven Gerrard defends John McGinn as Aston Villa star’s challenge sees Leeds starlet Archie Gray leave pre-season friendly on stretcher
Leeds teenager Archie Gray was stretchered off following a nasty challenge by Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn in a pre-season friendly.
The 16-year-old featured in the match against their Premier League rivals as part of their tour in Australia.
3
The game ended in a 1-0 victory for Steven Gerrard’s side at the Suncorp Stadium in the Queensland Champions Cup.
There was not too much ‘friendly’ about this match, though, and a particularly crunching tackle from McGinn left those connected with Leeds outraged.
The midfielder closed down Gray as he looked to pass the ball. Although he won the ball, he went in with his studs up and caught the teenager on the ankle.
Gray was put on a stretcher and taken off the pitch, with McGinn appearing to apologise to the player.
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch said: “We're hopeful that it's not too bad. He was in some pain initially but we're hopeful nothing is broken.
"Hopefully it's an ankle sprain and we'll see the severity of it in the next couple of days.”
Most read in Football
3
3
Gerrard defended McGinn following the incident, saying: "We wish the young kid very well, hopefully it's not a long injury. John's got the ball, he's been unlucky in the follow through.
“There was one just before by the same boy on (Emiliano) Buendia and my heart was in my mouth.
"In the main it was played in the right way. It got feisty for a short period, there were a few feisty tackles from them, a couple from us.
“You've got two Premier League teams who want to win a game. Both sets want to win even though it's a friendly. It's normal.”
Offers Of The Day
888sport - Get 100% Bonus up to £100* -
£/$/€10 min deposit using promo code “TOP100” • The bonus will be applied once the full deposit amount has been wagered at least twice with cumulative odds of 1.50 or greater • To withdraw any winnings from your bonus, you must wager the bonus amount up to 5 times • All deposit and bonus wagering requirements must be completed within 60 days • This offer may not be combined with any other offer • Wagering limit of £/$/€50 per bet Applies • Restrictions apply to withdrawals, payment methods and countries & full T&Cs apply. 18+ Begambleaware.org
Topics