England captain Steven Gerrard accused 10-man Honduras of "stupid" and "horrific" tackling during England's goalless stalemate in Miami during their FIFA World Cup send-off game
England's Steven Gerrard (left) argues with Luis Garrido of Honduras during their friendly in Miami Gardens. Pic/AFP
Miami: Steven Gerrard accused 10-man Honduras of "stupid" and "horrific" tackling during England's goalless stalemate in Miami.
England's Steven Gerrard (left) argues with Luis Garrido of Honduras during their friendly in Miami Gardens. Pic/AFP
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England's battered and bruised players headed for Brazil after the match having somehow escaped their World Cup send-off without serious injury.
The two teams had to come off the pitch for 43 minutes in the first half due to a thunderstorm and the game became spicy when play resumed.
Flying elbows
Referee Ricardo Salazar handed Honduras five yellow cards, including two for Brayan Beckeles, who was sent off in the 66th minute after a flying elbow on Leighton Baines.
Gerrard, Adam Lallana, Danny Welbeck, Baines and Glen Johnson were all victims of reckless fouls, although England dished out a few tasty tackles of their own after becoming annoyed by their opponents' physicality.
Gerrard was far from happy with the tackles that were flying in and said it was a huge stroke of luck that no player suffered an injury.
'Horrific tackles'
"I thought there were some horrific tackles for a friendly. I got caught with a bad one," the England captain told ITV1.
"I'm quite frustrated. I thought the ref was poor, the game was interrupted, there was a big one in the first half and they were doing stupid fouls. There was no rhythm, we're frustrated but relieved at no injuries."
The worst offender on the night was Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre, who was lucky to stay on the pitch after blasting the ball at Daniel Sturridge while he lay on the floor.
"I don't understand refs seeing balls slammed into players' chests... It's a clear red card," said Gerrard, unaware that the ball had actually struck Sturridge right in the groin.
"But we came through with no injuries. We're frustrated, but we got a clean sheet and no injuries."
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