ANDRE VILLAS BOAS says he is strongly considering making a report to the Football Association after Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam injured Gareth Bale’s ankle with a lunge from behind.
The Scot caught Bale with a late challenge after only 18 minutes of the clock. The Welshman hobbled through the remainder of the first half in the 0-0 draw but was replaced at the break.
Spurs manager AVB said, “Charlie came to me (after) and said something about the challenge, which I can accept, but he should go to the player to say sorry. In the end, if the player doesn’t goes to hospital he is very lucky.” He added:
I think it is a very nasty challenge from Charlie. The player is gone and he comes in from behind on Gareth’s ankle. I did not know the previous history between the two. I know now.
Bale’s teammate, Jermaine Jenas commented, “It’s a joke, to be honest with you. It is not the first time that it has happened with Charlie and Gaz. I know we are not happy about it. It’s pre-season and a friendly.”
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In fairness to Bale’s colleagues at Spurs, it is not the first time that the Welshman has been on the receiving end of a reckless challenge by Adam.
In May 2011 the Scot, playing for Blackpool, came in over the top of the ball and stamped on Bale’s ankle, causing the player to be stretchered off.
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The best chance of the game arrived on 41 minutes when Bale floated over an inviting cross that Aaron Lennon could only direct onto the post.
Fabio Borini had Liverpool’s best opportunity to score but misdirected a volley. You can see highlights by clicking here.
