Ryan McBride
Derry City’s Ryan McBride has absolved Dundalk striker Patrick Hoban of any blame for his role in the incident that led to the defender being hospitalised on Monday night.
The pair clashed heads just before the half hour mark of the Lilywhites’ 3-0 win, with both players requiring lengthy treatment.
McBride was in such a bad way that he needed medical attention on the field and was later removed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for treatment and observation overnight.
Hoban received abuse from a number of Derry fans on Twitter after the game and had to plead his innocence.
The matter was not helped by the fact that Candystripes boss Roddy Collins claimed that Hoban had set out to ‘do’ McBride, branding him cowardly in the process.
Thankfully, McBride returned to training yesterday and told The Derry Journal that he didn’t think Hoban meant any malice.
In fact, the brave defender revealed that he has since received a text message from Hoban apologising for the incident and wishing him well in his recovery.
“All I remember is going up for the ball and winning it but after that it was lights out and I don’t know what happened immediately after that,” recalled McBride. “Next thing I remember was waking up in hospital.”
McBride doesn’t believe there was any malice in the challenge.
“I don’t think Hoban meant it. He actually sent me a text today saying that he felt sorry for what happened and told me he didn’t mean to do it and he was hoping I was okay.
“I don’t remember much about the actual incident. I know I won the ball first but I don’t remember the aftermath and getting stretchered off the pitch.
“I don’t think he intentionally went out to do me damage. In football you do everything to win three points and score goals but you don’t go out to hurt people.”
The matter gained such publicity that prior to McBride’s comments, Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny had issued a statement to fans on the matter.
He said: “It’s very rare that I feel the need to send a direct message out to supporters but I feel it’s important that I do so following the unfortunate incident involving Ryan McBride and Patrick Hoban on Monday night.
“I gave Ryan McBride his debut for Derry City and he is one of the bravest players I have ever managed. He is a very committed professional and I was very sorry to see him get hurt on Monday night.
“In terms of bravery, commitment and honesty Patrick Hoban is actually very similar. The TV replays of the incident show two committed players trying to win an aerial duel. The footage shows clearly that this was a completely accidental clash of heads and any statement to the contrary is grossly irresponsible.
“As well as being top-class for Dundalk FC since I signed him for the club before the start of last year, Patrick has an outstanding disciplinary record. Some of the comments being made about Patrick have been incredibly unfair. The referee got the decision absolutely spot-on. It was a very unfortunate accident.
“I would like to wish Ryan a speedy recovery. I would also like to commend our club doctor Dr Samir Akhal for his role in treating Ryan quickly while under intense pressure. Dr Akhal has been in contact with Ryan and we were glad to hear that he was discharged from hospital today. I would also like to commend the paramedics who assisted the doctor in his work.
“Dundalk Football Club would also like to thank Dr Paul O’Reilly, a season-ticket holder, who offered his assistance on Monday night.”
Talk of the Town 