Bolton manager Owen Coyle defends Fabrice Muamba
Owen Coyle has rejected Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez’s criticism of Fabrice Muamba after his tackle on James McCarthy at DW Stadium.
The incident took place during Wigan’s Premier League match against Bolton, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Midfielder McCarthy was forced to leave the pitch after he was on the end of a late challenge by Muamba.
Yet, referee Howard Webb deemed that the tackle was fair and failed to book the Bolton Wanderers player.
McCarthy is now expected to be out for at least 10 weeks with ankle ligament damage. The player had only established himself in the Wigan team this season and has made 11 appearances.
After the game Martinez was far from happy with Muamba’s challenge and he deemed the tackle as “unnecessary and reckless”.
However, Bolton manager Coyle defended his player and said, "Fabrice felt he had an opportunity to win the ball. Fabrice is a very talented player. He went to try and win the ball, that's all."
“We have to eradicate bad tackles, but I think it was a young boy who went to win the ball and he never had any intent to try to hurt James McCarthy. The last thing we want is players getting injured," added the Bolton manager.
McCarthy will miss some crucial games for Wigan including matches with Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal. The midfielder will hope to return to action early next year.
Martinez will be forced to find a replacement for the Wigan playmaker and said, "One of the most creative young players in the league is going to be out for up to 10 weeks. That is a football crime."
Responding to the Wigan manager’s comments Coyle replied, “Maybe with hindsight he's come out and he's protecting his club. [But that's] the reason we love football, we love opinions and Roberto has got his and I certainly have mine."
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