Alex McLeish, the Birmingham City manager, has defended a controversial training technique whereby players tackle dead bodies leading to the horrific injury to the Croatian national and Arsenal player Eduardo at the feet of Martin Taylor at the weekend.
Speaking from a secret location last night, McLeish said that Taylor's a big strong lad who can cope with anything and that this shouldn't be allowed to spoil his season.
Birmingham City have been criticized for the way their players appeared unconcerned about the serious injury to Eduardo. While Arsenal players were understandably visibly shaken and distraught, Birmingham players surrounded the ref pleading with him not to send Taylor off. It's thought that Birmingham might appeal against the red card.
McLeish, who managed north of the border, in a reference believed to refer to his firmly held faith, said: "I tell my players to go out there and do what they can. We are all judged in the end."
Croatia knocked England out of qualifying for Euro 2008, but this injury is not thought to be revenge for that. However, according to Croatian fans who have now seen their star player ruled out of Euro 2008, judgment day for Taylor, McLeish and Birmingham City cannot come soon enough.
