McLeish rallies to defend Taylor

Birmingham boss responds to Blatter criticism

Last updated: 10th March 2008

Alex McLeish Birmingham

McLeish: Support for Taylor

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Alex McLeish feels Sepp Blatter has only criticised Martin Taylor due to the nature of Eduardo da Silva's injury.

Arsenal striker Eduardo is facing months on the sidelines after his leg was broken by Birmingham City defender Taylor's challenge a fortnight ago.

Eduardo has accepted Taylor's apology for the tackle, but Fifa president Blatter has reignited the debate with a fierce attack on the Birmingham centre-half.

Blatter said the tackle had 'nothing to do with football' and suggested Fifa would have looked to impose a greater suspension.

Blues boss McLeish has defender Taylor and feels there have been worse tackles in the Premier League since the 2-2 draw at St Andrews.

Funny

McLeish said: "It's funny. I was actually surprised I didn't hear Sepp Blatter's voice earlier because he tends to get involved in these kind of things!

"But when I've seen some of the challenges since (the Taylor challenge), then you would be banning players every week.

"I think the unfortunate thing about Eduardo was the horrible injury. If he had gone home with bruised shins, then we wouldn't have heard any more about it.

"But some of the tackles the last couple of weeks that didn't result in horrendous injuries were worse, far worse. If Sepp Blatter would like to sit down and watch them in slow motion, then I can easily show him."