Bendtner backing over tackle
25 Feb 2008 - 16:35:49
Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner doesn't believe former Birmingham City team-mate Martin Taylor intended to hurt Eduardo despite leaving the striker with a broken leg.
Bendtner insists the defender's controversial tackle on the Croatian which led to the horror injury during Saturday's 2-2 draw at St Andrew's was not malicious.
The Danish striker played alongside Taylor during a season-long loan spell at Birmingham last season.
"Eduardo showed good skills to go around one defender and used quick feet when he saw the other defender, but was taken out," he told Arsenal TV Online.
"The referee had no decision but to send Martin off. Due to being at Birmingham I know Martin is not a player like this.
"But given what happened you can't say it was anything other than a red card.
"Eduardo is a strong character and good person. He's done really well at Arsenal and I hope he will be back as quickly as possible."
Meanwhile, Bendtner insists the Premier League title remains in their hands despite Gael Clichy's late mistake leading to Birmingham's equaliser from the penalty spot.
"It was a terrible day because of all the things that happened - the injury and the decisions," he added.
"We're down because the decision has had an effect on the title race.
"I'm really sorry the decision went against Gael. But the title race is still in our hands and we just have to do the best we can."