Stoke City FC

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Whelan defends Shawcross

02 Mar 2010 - 09:20:57

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Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan does not think Ryan Shawcross' tackle on Aaron Ramsey that left the Arsenal youngster with a horrific broken leg was pre-meditated.

The Republic of Ireland international was the first player to see the extent of Ramsey's injury after the incident which occurred at the Britannia Stadium in a game that the Gunners eventually won 3-1.

Whelan said: "Everyone involved hopes that the young lad gets back as soon as possible because he looks a terrific player.

"I was the next one in and the lad himself kept trying to look at his leg and I was trying to hide it to take his mind off it.

"He just kept saying 'My leg, my leg'. He actually held on to me because of the pain he was going through.

"Ryan was obviously disappointed because of what happened with the boy. I haven't seen the tackle again, but when I first saw it I didn't think it was a dirty tackle. I think it was maybe a little bit late but no more."