Rotherham defender Pablo Mills has insisted there was no malice in his challenge with Nathan Elder.
Rotherham defender 'sick' after horror clash
Rotherham defender Pablo Mills has insisted there was no malice in the challenge which left Nathan Elder battling for his sight.
Brentford striker Elder was hospitalised with horrific injuries after an aerial challenge with Mills in Saturday's League Two clash at the Don Valley Stadium.
Bees boss Andy Scott later revealed that his player had suffered a double fracture of the cheekbone, a fractured eye socket, severe trauma to the eyeball and extensive bleeding in and around the eye.
Elder currently has no vision in his left eye and Scott has called on the Football Association to take action as he wants to see 'justice done'.
Rotherham have already defended Mills' part in the incident as purely accidental, with the defender adamant that he did not set out to injure his opponent.
Concerned
Mills told the
Daily Mail: "I felt a bit sick that I had been involved in something like that but my eyes were focused on the ball, nothing else.
"I knew we'd clashed but as far as I was concerned it was two players, 100 per cent committed, going to win possession.
"Not one of the Brentford players said anything out of order to me. Marcus Bean, I think it was, described it as a 'strong challenge' at the time.
"If there had been anything untoward in it, they would have reacted far differently. But they didn't. The referee re-started the game with a drop-ball.
"I'd like to say that I was able to concentrate fully but I was concerned about what had happened."
Mills revealed he checked on Elder's condition in person after the game and now plans to get in touch with the injured forward again as he recovers in hospital.
Regret
He added: "As soon as the game was over, I went to their dressing-room and saw their physio. He told me that Nathan was in the medical room.
"I went into hear what our manager, Mark Robins, had to say about the game. As soon as I was able, I went back to the medical room. By this time, Nathan had been transferred to an ambulance.
"I got into the ambulance to have a word with him and express my regret at what had happened. He was drowsy, but he knew I was there. I believe he understood what I said to him.
"I now know that he has been moved to London. As soon as I am able, I will get in touch. I've already written a letter to him that I intend to send in the next couple of days."
