Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross insists there was
"absolutely no malice" in the challenge on Aaron Ramsey which led
to the Arsenal player suffering a badly broken leg during the
Barclays Premier League clash at the Britannia Stadium
today.
The 19-year-old Wales midfielder was taken to hospital after a
tackle by Shawcross, who was later called up to the England squad
to play Egypt next week, as the Gunners came from behind to win
3-1.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was enraged by the tackle, which
he described as "horrendous", but in a statement issued by
Shawcross, the player is adamant there was no intent.
The statement read: "There was absolutely no malice in the
challenge.
"I would never, ever go out to hurt a fellow professional.
"I am deeply upset that Aaron has suffered such a bad injury and
my thoughts are with him.
"I would like to send him my best wishes too for a speedy
recovery."
The 22-year-old's sentiments were echoed by his club, who added
in the statement: "Stoke City would like to send their best wishes
to Aaron Ramsey and Arsenal Football Club."
They added: "The club do, however, wish to make it quite clear
that there was absolutely no malice in the challenge from Ryan
Shawcross which caused the injury."
Potters manager Tony Pulis added: "On behalf of everyone at
Stoke City, we would like to express our deepest sympathy to Aaron
and Arsenal at what has happened today.
"Our thoughts are with him and his family. We hope he makes a
speedy recovery and everyone here wishes to see him back on the
football field as soon as possible."
Pulis also defended Shawcross, adding: "Ryan Shawcross has no
bad blood in him whatsoever.
"There is no way in a million years he would ever go out and try
and hurt someone.
"The lad was heartbroken at what has happened, you could see as
he came off the pitch that he was in tears and he feels devastated
that Aaron has been so badly injured."
- Football365
