The incident occurred during the Isthmian Premier Division clash between Hornchurch and Cray Wanderers. Tom Beere was on the receiving end of a robust challenge from a Hornchurch player which left his right leg gashed from his ankle right up to his knee. If my leg was planted it would’ve been in 2 pieces.” He then added with a hint of sarcasm: “But let’s all stick up for refs, they got such a hard job.”
Sympathy wasn’t exactly forthcoming for Beere though.
While some defended the challenge, branding it hard but fair, others questioned Beere’s choice of shin protection. Should players wear better shin-pads? Another added: “Clearly a shocking tackle but those shinpads should be banned in all football, not just development age groups.”
A third said: “Not excusing the clear bad tackle but half of that’s avoided if he wears proper shinpads.” A fourth countered: “Shin pads don’t protect you against such tackles.” A fifth joked: “Normal Jack Grealish leg after every match.”
On seeing the damage to Beere’s leg, another enquired: “Did he play against a bear?” Meanwhile, a couple of fans asked if he had got on the wrong side of Hugh Jackson’s film character Wolverine.
