Dundee United’s Gary Mackay-Steven has admitted he feared the worst when he was the victim of a terrible challenge during Saturday’s game against Inverness Caley Thistle.
The big moment of controversy arrived on the half-hour mark when the Tangerines star was caught on the knee in a studs-up tackle by Caley skipper Richie Foran.
As the United winger crashed to the turf in agony, players from both sides were involved in a mass melee before referee Steven McLean restored order then, amazingly, only showed Foran a yellow card.
Thankfully, Mackay-Steven escaped serious injury and will be fit to join up with the Scotland squad for this week’s glamour friendly against England.
And while he disagreed with the referee’s decision not to award a red, he has accepted Foran’s apology for the tackle.
When asked if he feared the worst as the challenge came in, he said: “Yes, to be honest, I did. I wasn’t happy at all about it. I thought I could have suffered ligament damage or worse.
“I felt it was a definite red card. It was a straight leg and studs were shown. He caught me on my knee. I think because my leg was in the air I didn’t get injured worse than I did.
“I should still be fine for the Scotland squad, thankfully.
“But he shook hands and apologised to me afterwards and I respect that.
“He said he didn’t mean it. Richie Foran challenges for every ball and always gives his all.”
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