Johnson accuses Santos

Johnson was injured by Santos's reckless lunge during the 'Battle of Bramall Lane' in which Sheffield United had three men sent off and caused the game to be abandoned after being left with just six players on the pitch.

Santos insists he was aiming to win the ball and that there was no malice or retribution intended following a clash between the pair last season when the Blades midfielder suffered a broken eye socket.

But Johnson is adamant Santos purposefully dived in wildly with the intention of causing him serious injury.

"He physically meant the challenge and aimed to injure me or end my playing career," said Johnson.

"As for the tackle itself, the pain was tremendous and that challenge has put me out of action. This had to be his main intention and it could so easily have ended my career.

"If I had not moved my leg out of the way, the injury could have been worse. The referee was right to send him off.

"This was a mindless, stupid challenge by a so-called professional.

"It looks as though he has been harbouring all his intentions since last year and let all of those loose the first time we met."