• Premier League

Adam denies trying to hurt Bale

ESPN staff
May 7, 2011
Charlie Adam scored from the spot for Blackpool, but that was not the main talking point of the match © Getty Images
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Blackpool captain Charlie Adam has insisted it was not his intention to hurt Gareth Bale, following his challenge that resulted in the Tottenham man being stretchered from the field of play.

Adam caught Bale extremely late and with the Tottenham man's foot planted at the point of impact, it produced the sickening sight of Bale's ankle collapsing under the impact.

Tottenham are anxiously awaiting news on the extent of the injury, while the debate raged after the game with ESPN pundit Kevin Keegan suggesting the challenge was deliberate.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has defended his captain, while Adam insisted he never intended to hurt Bale.

"I never meant to go over the top [of the ball] because I'm one of these players who want to see the best players in the country on the pitch and he's one of them," the Scot told talkSPORT.

"It was sad to see a player like him go off because he's a terrific player but there was no malice in it. I went to win the ball, I've not seen it again but I went in to see him and I apologised if it looks bad."

Holloway, responding to Keegan's comments, said: "He (Adam) almost came here so why would he want to hurt anybody?' He hasn't got it in him. At this level, the game is so quick.

"Charlie tried to get there and it was genuine so I'm disappointed that Kevin says that. He is entitled to his own opinion but I totally disagree with it.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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