Raith Rovers boss John McGlynn believes there was no malice involved when Falkirk’s Farid El Alagui caught Laurie Ellis in the face with his boot, breaking the defender’s jaw in two places on Saturday.
Ellis also lost teeth in the horrific incident which caused the game to be held up for 10 minutes as he received treatment, and overshadowed what could prove to be a pivotal result in the Kirkcaldy club’s season.
A hat-trick for Raith’s Brian Graham combined with goals from the Moroccan El Alagui and Blair Alston for a five-goal thriller at the Falkirk Stadium.
The 3-2 win, allied to relegation rivals Ayr United and Queen of the South both losing, put Raith three points clear of the danger zone and they can ensure their First Division survival if they can defeat the Doonhamers this Saturday at Stark’s Park.
However, they will have to attempt to do so without Ellis, who underwent an operation on Monday.
McGlynn said: ”I have watched the incident a number of times on video and it was just an unfortunate accident. There was definitely no malice or intent to hurt Laurie.
”Obviously, when something like that happens with the game held up for so long you worry that the players will be put off their stride. But they showed lots of character to go on and pick up a vital win.
”That was our first away win since December and we will take a lot of confidence from that as we prepare for a vital encounter with Queen of the South on Saturday.”