[dpak3000]

It is such an unfortunate situation. I don't think Taylor me ant ill in his tackle but whenever you go sliding in studs first, you're not going to have many people on your side. Eduardo planted his foot moment before so it led to a much worse accident. Best of wishes to Eduardo (i just found out his birthday is this Monday) and hopefully he'll be back one day. I just hope it isn't career ending. Eduardo is a bright young player and nobody footballer deserves to go out like this.

[RobsonLegend]

Yeesh, no more pictures, right?

As much as I don't care for Arsenal, I do feel bad for Eduardo. You never wish something like that upon anyone.

It's also a crying shame that Wenger has taken advantage of the situation to try and give more airtime to his "Everyone has to kick us to stop us" routine. It's not as if Arsenal are exactly angels. I'm glad 606's hosts and even Arsenal fans have commented on the ludicrous nature of that comment and the call for a lifetime ban on Taylor.

And as far as Martin Taylor's intent goes, we have absolutely no way of telling. It's easy to claim that because of the stud-up, it's "clear" what he meant to do. Well, by that logic, it's also just as easy to claim that it's a case of a player outskilled by another player and arriving late, which we all know happens all the time in the game. Granted, it doesn't always lead to horrific injuries like these, of course.

3-match ban if it's deemed violent conduct, and possibly more. Whatever decision the league makes, I hope it's a well-thought out one, and not some kneejerk reaction to make an example of one player and "send a message." No way this is a lifetime ban, especially given comments I've heard about Taylor from both Birmingham and Blackburn on the radio.

[moley]

Wegner has released a statement saying upon reflection his comments are wrong and it was because of the heat of the moment right after the game.

[RobsonLegend]

Originally Posted by moley

Wegner has released a statement saying upon reflection his comments are wrong and it was because of the heat of the moment right after the game.

Good. As well he should.

[swatson]

Its very, very sad indeed. I think that such slide tackles should only be permitted from the side, not directly at the oncoming attacker as in this case. I'm quite hopeful though that he'll recover even though it looks like he broke his tibia, fibula and ligaments unlike Smith whose injury was limited to a horrific ankle injury.

This sport has become quite rash these days. Thats the reason when United draw or lose, although I'm disappointed, I don't really complain because they can always get a result the next game given that they are in one piece.

My best wishes go to Eduardo and I look forward to seeing him play.

[TeKnIcIaN]

After having looked at replays (thanks to MOTD), I don't think Taylor had any intention to do anything but go for the ball. Taylors foot is clearly going for the ball when Eduardo nips it away from him and stands his leg in the spot where the ball was.

That being said, Taylor was clumsy and a bit careless in going after the ball with studs showing. It's obviously dangerous play (duh!) and the red card was certainly justified - as is the automatic 3 match ban that goes along with it.

I do hope Eduardo can make a speedy recovery and get back to playing sometime next season.

UPDATE:

Originally Posted by randy420

Actually.. a straight red comes with a one match ban. If it is for violent conduct then it's 3.

This caused me to do one of my little fact-finding missions, and I turned up this from the FA's rulebook:

(b) PLAYERS SENT OFF UNDER LAW 12 (7)
A Player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for receiving a second caution in the same match will be suspended automatically from all approved First Team matches commencing forthwith, until such time as his Club’s First Team has completed its next match in an approved Competition.

(c) PLAYERS SENT OFF UNDER LAW 12 (4) and (5)
A Player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for denying a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by physical means or by handling the ball, will be suspended automatically from all approved First Team matches commencing forthwith, until such time as his Club’s First Team has completed its next match in an approved Competition.

(d) PLAYERS SENT OFF UNDER LAW 12 (6)
A Player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for using offensive or insulting or abusive language/gestures, whether he has previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be suspended automatically from all approved First Team matches commencing forthwith, and until such time as his Club’s First Team has completed its next two matches in approved Competitions.

(e) PLAYERS SENT OFF UNDER LAW 12 (1), (2) and (3)
A Player who is dismissed from the Field of play for Violent Conduct, Serious Foul Play or spitting at an opponent or any other person, whether he has previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be suspended automatically from playing football in any match including non-First Team matches commencing forthwith and until such time as his Club’s First Team has completed its next three matches in approved Competitions.

[breaktherulz]

i think it wasn't intended.. taylor would have never thought it would end up like this.. all the best eduardo.. get well soon

[Torque]

Originally Posted by uefa.com

Arsenal FC's injured Croatia forward Eduardo da Silva said there would "be no birthday celebrations at all" after he turned 25 today in a London hospital.

Horrible injury
The Brazilian-born player suffered a compound double fracture of his left leg in Arsenal's 2-2 Premier League draw at Birmingham City FC on Saturday, sidelining him for the rest of the season as well as for the summer's UEFA EURO 2008™ finals. He could be out of action for a year or more. "There will be no birthday celebrations at all," he said. "I don't need any special gifts. I have already received the most important one which is my family who are now with me. That's the most important thing for me."

No malice
Having undergone surgery, Eduardo was transferred from Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital to an unnamed London clinic on Sunday to begin his recovery process. He has been quick, however, to underline that he bears no ill-feeling towards Birmingham defender Martin Taylor, who was dismissed for the challenge that broke his leg. "As far as I remember, Martin Taylor has still not been to see me but I was under sedation so who knows," he said. "If he does come, I will let him see me. I forgive him. I know it wasn't deliberate. These things happen."

'I will be back'
Concerns have been raised that the injury could mark the end of Eduardo's career but the player is trying his best to stay positive. "I am OK now," he said. "Nothing hurts any more but it hurt a lot on Saturday. I have not been thinking how long it might take for me to recover, but I don't have any doubt I will be back. Have no fear about that. I was scared when I saw how my leg was right after the injury but I can't say I was thinking about the end of my career. I was worried how everything would go in hospital but it was OK."
[...]

Source

I guess everything will be OK in the end. I am glad that Eduardo treats this matter positively!
I could also add a Happy Birthday for him.

[Iron_Maiden]

I heard today at news that he will be out for about nine months!That means he will get back only before Christmas!

You hate to see such tackles in football,but thats the risk!I hope he will be fine in this nine months and fully recovered!

Until then lets wish him a happy birthday!

[RobsonLegend]

To be honest, I think 9 months is a very generous prognosis. I seriously doubt that he will be back to anything resembling match fitness within a year. If he's on the pitch starting a Premiership match for Arsenal before February of 2009, I will be very surprised.

I know that sports medicine today is incredible with what it can do to help injured athletes heal, and for sure, Eduardo will have the benefit of the type of care befitting a club of Arsenal's stature (and financial means).

Even then, we're talking about a load-bearing joint and a bone that aids the body in balance and lateral movement. Eduardo's a speedy, skillful young lad, and every bit of his game will suffer for this injury. Whether he will be the dynamic young talent he was pre-injury remains to be seen.