Deeney: Gabriel could have broken my leg
Troy Deeney believes that Gabriel’s tackle against him on Sunday could have broken his leg.
The Watford striker and Arsenal defender challenged for the ball during the FA Cup quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, but Gabriel was perceived to have lunged in with both feet off the ground.
The referee neglected to even give a free-kick for the dangerous tackle, and Deeney said that he was “unhappy” with the challenge after the match – although he says he accepted Gabriel’s subsequent apology.
“I was unhappy with that,” Deeney said. “I could have gone through him as well and I tried my best to keep the studs down and to the letter of the law.
“But he came over the top. I don’t think he was intentionally going to do me, but fair play he came and apologised.
“I was just a bit frustrated at the initial moment because they are the ones that can break legs. Thankfully I am a big lad and I rode the tackle.
“We are men at the end of the day. We shake hands and carry on until the next game. Crack on.”
