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Coleman set for long spell on the sidelines with suspected leg break

There were no replays of the incident that prompted Taylor’s sending off, and O’Neill was reluctant to condemn the player.

SEAMUS COLEMAN IS set to be out of action for a long spell, after falling victim to a horror challenge by Wales’ Neil Taylor in tonight’s game at the Aviva Stadium.

Speaking after the match, Ireland boss Martin O’Neill said: “Seamus has gone to hospital. I think it’s been confirmed by our doctor that he’s broken his leg.”

There were no replays of the incident that prompted Taylor’s sending off, and O’Neill was reluctant to condemn the player having not seen it back.

The Irish boss added that it was “a big loss” to both Ireland and Everton, with the player likely to be out for the rest of this season and some time thereafter.

O’Neill similarly was reluctant to criticise Gareth Bale for his challenge on John O’Shea, which many felt warranted a red card, rather than the booking that was given.

“I’ve seen John’s injury. He’s got some stud marks on his ankle,” O’Neill added.

Wales boss Chris Coleman was similarly not too harsh on Taylor, having not seen the incident back, adding that the player went to the Irish dressing room afterwards to apologise: “Neil Taylor’s not that type of player. He’s had a serious injury himself… He’s devastated.”

He also expressed unhappiness with some of the Irish team’s behaviour, explaining: ”Your boys are not coming off the pitch with halos on their head.”

Coleman did not cite any specific challenge, though Glenn Whelan leading with his elbow in a 50:50 challenge with Stoke teammate Joe Allen on the brink of half-time clearly angered Wales’ players.

Former Germany international Dietmar Hamann was among those tonight to condemn both Bale and Taylor, tweeting: “Game is dead if we let players get away with these challenges. Have a look where O’Shea gets caught, half way up his leg, ball was on deck.”

More to follow

Player ratings: How the Boys in Green fared against Wales>

Ireland’s World Cup qualifier overshadowed by serious injury to captain Seamus Coleman>

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