Bellamy Shakes Off "Bad Challenge"


By Matthew Jones
February 12 2004

Just before the 1/2 time break on Wednesday night away at Blackburn, Rover's Lucas Neill tackled Craig Bellamy hard - although the referee (ideally positioned) thought it fair.

Jimmy Walker

BELLAMY ON NEILL CHALLENGE

Just before the 1/2 time break on Wednesday night away at Blackburn, Rover's Lucas Neill tackled Craig Bellamy hard - although the referee (ideally positioned) thought it fair.

The Wales international needed lengthy treatment and the two players clashed again as they left the field - at this point, Robson and Co. were fuming at the officials.

Bellamy has only just returned to action following knee surgery.

Blackburn boss Graeme Souness claimed not to have seen anything at all, but Sir Bobby and Bellamy where not so reticent.

Robson said: “Unfortunately he (Bellamy) has suffered a slight knee injury and done some slight damage to the ligament. The knee has unfortunately puffed up and there is some fluid in there.

“I didn’t think it was a right tackle and I’m amazed the linesman or the referee didn’t do anything about it; he (Neill) got him in the corner and went straight through him.”

Bellamy added: "It held up well and I had a rough challenge obviously and it tested my leg more than anything.

"If you see it he has been clever, he has won the ball but it is the follow through that is the problem.

"I don't really want to talk about that to be honest because I don't want to give Lucas Neill any credit.

"I have strained the medial but it is fine to be honest because it gave the knee a test.

"I am happy I stayed on and I felt sharp and played 90 minutes, which pleased me."

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