Sorry Thatcher faces police probe for x-rated tackle

BEN THATCHER has apologised for the horror challenge which could land him in trouble with the police as well as the FA.

Thatcher has sent a letter to Pedro Mendes expressing his regret at the incident which saw the Portsmouth midfielder knocked unconscious at Eastlands on Wednesday night. Mendes suffered a seizure and required oxygen before being taken to hospital after he was struck in the face by Thatcher’s forearm.

Although the 27-year-old has now been released, he will require medical and neurological supervision over the next week before he is cleared to play again. “Immediately after the game I tried to find out how Pedro was. I have written to him today apologising for what happened,” said Thatcher.

Leading figures within the game were quick to condemn Thatcher, with TV pundit Gary Lineker labelling the tackle “shockingly dangerous”.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp was equally damning and while City counterpart Stuart Pearce initially suggested referee Dermot Gallagher was correct to dish out a yellow card, after reviewing the incident, both he and Blues chief executive Alistair Mackintosh felt compelled to take action.

“Chief executive Alistair Mackintosh has telephoned Portsmouth’s chief executive Peter Storrie to enquire about Pedro’s health,” said a City statement.

“The club does not condone such action and the matter has been dealt with internally by Stuart Pearce.”

City are refusing to elaborate on the action Thatcher has been subjected to, but it seems certain the Welsh international was heavily fined. Whether that will be enough to dissuade the FA from launching a charge remains to be seen. Ordinarily, Gallagher’s decision to yellow-card 30-year-old Thatcher would be the end of any disciplinary action by the FA. However, FA officials are already looking at the possibility of charging the full-back.

Thatcher has also been warned by PFA chief Gordon Taylor that he has left himself open to a law suit, should Mendes opt to pursue the matter.

Greater Manchester Police are also investigating a number of complaints.