Sunday Sep 30 2007 10:26
Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez backed Clint Dempsey after the striker was involved in an incident during the goalless draw at
Chelsea that left John Terry with a depressed fracture of his right cheekbone.
Some Blues players suggested it had been a deliberate act by the Cottagers star but Sanchez was quick to defend his player after the match.
The former Northern Ireland boss said: "I thought the two big lads came together and the referee gave the corner in our favour.
"When John (Terry) stayed down I thought perhaps he had landed awkwardly or head-butted the ground.
"Clint is a strong player and so is John Terry. These things happen in football when two big men come together. I am sure it was not malicious. Clint is not that type of character.
"It should have been 1-0 to us but (Petr) Cech pulled off a great save from Paul (Konchesky). He is a top-class goalkeeper.
"I have mixed feelings really. Anybody would have settled for a point before coming to Chelsea but when you come that close to knocking over their record, you think 'go on, let's take it'.
"It wasn't to be though and we only got a point from it."
Have your say on this article