Wolverhampton Wanderers manager says it's time to stop complaining about bad tackles
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy says it is time for English Premier League managers and players to stop complaining about bad tackles after his player Stephen Ward was injured in a challenge by Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas.
Ward's leg was gashed open in Arsenal’s 2-0 EPL win over Wolves on Wednesday, 10 November.
Heavy-handed tackling has been a prominent issue this season, with Wolves, in particular, having been criticised for their aggressive approach to games. Earlier in the season, Fulham captain Danny Murphy pinpointed Wolves as one of three clubs who he felt sent
out their players too 'pumped up'.
However, McCarthy feels that the time has come to stop complaining about such challenges after Fabregas and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger both apologised for the tackle.
He told reporters, "I have no problem with (Fabregas’ tackle) and nor does Ward. He shook (Fabregas's) hand and accepted it. It's great that Cesc Fabregas has apologised, and Arsene Wenger apologised to me.
"I want to see competitive football. People are going for the ball. I have no problem with tackling, but please don't (complain about) my players when we tackle."
2010 FIFA World Cup winner Fabregas received a yellow card for the challenge, which Wenger insisted was accidental.
The Frenchman, who has been one of the most vocal managers regarding dangerous tackles and has repeatedly called for greater protection for his players, said, "I think it was an accidental tackle. That's what Cesc told me.
"He touched (Ward) of course, but he wanted to play the ball. He went to the dressing room and apologised to the player and he is all right.
"I have not seen the tackle yet, but I have just apologised to McCarthy if the player is injured because I didn't know exactly what had happened because the linesman was in my view."
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