The Republic of Ireland moved level with Serbia at the top of UEFA Group D in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, but the hard-earned result came with the loss of their influential captain, Everton defender Seamus Coleman. Wales’ Neil Taylor was given a straight red in the 69th-minute after going straight through Coleman’s standing leg with his studs showing.
It looked like a fractured leg, and Coleman was stretchered off while requiring oxygen.
(WARNING: GRAPHIC)
FULL VIDEO: This is why they won't show this as a replay!! Seamus Coleman terrible injury. Get well soon pic.twitter.com/Sy0WukNDae
— Lucas (@LucasThurgood) March 24, 2017
Seamus Coleman has suffered a horrific leg break after taking a ridiculous tackle in the Ireland-Wales game. Get well soon. #IRLWAL pic.twitter.com/39FbT9cnOA
— JL (@jl_decosta) March 24, 2017
Ireland never really troubled the Welsh goal at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, but the same could be said of Wales, who really only looked dangerous when the ball was at Gareth Bale’s feet on the counter.
James McClean wore the No. 5 shirt in remembrance of Derry City captain Ryan McBride after his sudden passing on Sunday. McClean also gathered Man of the Match honors after a tireless display.
While the atmosphere created by the Irish fans and a strong traveling contingent of Welsh supporters called for an electric match, the football never came close to that level.
For Wales, they’re still four points behind both Serbia and Ireland in the group with five matches remaining.