Reading Football Club News

• Nickname:Royals
• Founded:1871
• Manager:Brian McDermott

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Hunt denies Cech intent

16 Oct 2006 - 15:09:56

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Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt has categorically denied deliberately injuring Petr Cech during Chelsea's 1-0 win at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

The Blues goalkeeper was left with a depressed fracture of the skull following a collision with Hunt and Chelsea officials have called on the Football Association to take disciplinary action against the Irishman.

The 26-year-old admits to feeling bad about Cech's injury, but is unhappy about the accusations made against him.

Hunt told the Royals' official website: "I can guarantee that I did not attempt to injure Petr, and I am very upset that the collision has resulted in such a bad injury.

"When Petr slid in to collect the ball, our momentum meant that a collision was unavoidable.

"I think the TV pictures show that the collision was a complete accident, and I'd like to think that my team-mates and opponents throughout my career in football would say that I'm not the kind of person to deliberately hurt an opponent.

"Serious injury is the worst part of football and I feel terribly sorry for Petr. I have written to him to wish him a full recovery."

Reading officials have given Hunt their full backing and insisted the player would have nothing to fear from an FA investigation.

A club statement read: "We firmly believe that the collision was an unavoidable accident, a view which is supported virtually without exception by independent media observers.

"We respect the right of Chelsea Football Club to ask the Football Association to review the incident, and we would fully co-operate with any inquiry that may take place.

"We have nothing to hide and believe that all the evidence fully vindicates Stephen Hunt.

"We would also like to send our sincere wishes to Petr Cech for a full and speedy recovery."