McCarthy hits out at tackle on Healy

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy criticised Youssef Safri for the tackle that landed Colin Healy in hospital with a serious injury.

Coventry were held to their eighth draw in 10 games as Sunderland lifted themselves into the play-off places in Nationwide League Division One last night.

But the injury to Sunderland midfielder Healy – following Safri’s 79th-minute tackle – overshadowed a gripping game at Highfield Road.

McCarthy said: “I wanted to talk about the match because it was a good game, but instead I have got a player lying in hospital with a suspected broken ankle.

“I think it was a bad tackle as he has gone over the top. I have seen it three times and I cannot dress it up as anything other than a very poor challenge.

“I am not saying it was malicious or even that he meant to do it, but the ball is there to be won and if players started tackling the ball we would all be much better off.”

A Gary McAllister penalty cancelled out an early opener by Stewart Downing as the match ended 1-1.

City boss McAllister defended Safri. He said: “It was not as much what I saw as what I heard. There was a loud crack and I was praying it was just a clash of shin pads.

“It is pretty disturbing to see a player lying on the pitch on oxygen.

“One minute the game was ebbing and flowing, the next there is a player on the floor with a serious injury.

“I have played with Youssef for many years and I know he would not do anything like this on purpose.

“There was no intent at all and Youssef is very concerned for Colin Healy.

“Colin is a young player who has worked very hard to get where he is and to earn his contract at Sunderland. I am sure he will recover from this.”