Ireland fans fume at Fabinho’s horror tackle on Evan Ferguson that left teen sensation needing to be helped off
Fabinho #Fabinho
IRISH fans as well as viewers from all backgrounds were appalled by Fabinho’s tackle that forced Evan Ferguson off with a potentially serious injury.
The Brazilian had only come off the bench two minutes previously when he scythed down Ferguson from behind with an incredibly reckless challenge.
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He needed help to hobble off the pitchCredit: Reuters 
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Fabinho raked down the back of his achillesCredit: AFP 
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Fabinho seemed to instantly realise how bad of a challenge it wasCredit: Reuters
The Meath native screamed out in pain before collapsing to the ground whereupon he required medical attention.
After being assessed by Brighton’s physio he was helped off the pitch and hobbled straight down the tunnel.
It’s a cruel twist of fate for the 18-year-old who has been faring remarkably well since cracking into the Seagulls’ first-team over the past few weeks.
While it’s all just speculation for the time being, this could derail his upward trajectory ahead of Ireland’s opening Euro 2024 qualifier on March 27 at home to France.
Somehow, Fabinho’s yellow card wasn’t upgraded to a red after a VAR check which rubbed salt in the wound for already furious Irish viewers.
Journalist Paul Hayward wrote: “A tackle like that should get you straight off the pitch. Even Fabinho was ashamed of it.”
Similarly, Newstalk’s Ronan Mullen commented: “That’s a disgraceful tackle on Evan Ferguson, unbelievable that it’s not a red card.”
Lastly, You Boys In Green tweeted: “Please god Evan Ferguson injury is not serious.
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“Shocking tackle by Fabinho. We need Ferguson playing before French roll into town.”
Once again Ferguson had impressed with a display showing physical and mental maturity beyond his years.
He even had an effort cleared off the line as Roberto De Zerbi’s outfit again outplayed Liverpool like they had done in their 3-0 league win two weeks ago.
There was an element of justice being served in stoppage time as another new sensation in Kaoru Mitoma produced a glorious winner.
There were shades of Dennis Bergkamp’s iconic goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup about it as he deftly controlled a cross whipped in to the far post.
He then flicked it artfully past the onrushing Joe Gomez before prodding it home before it touched the ground to spark joyous scenes at The Amex.