Ex-Man Utd star reacts as participant rushed to hospital after horror deal with led to a few reds
Jean Pierre Arroyo Vernaza suffered a horrific leg break during a match in Ecuador on Saturday, with former Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia sending a message to the star
Vernaza was rushed to hospital in an ambulance(Image: Getty Images)
Antonio Valencia has extended a heartfelt message to his fellow Ecuadorian after he suffered a horrific leg break during a match. Jean Pierre Arroyo Vernaza was playing for Independiente del Valle on Saturday against top-tier rivals Mushuc Runa when he suffered the devastating injury.
His game was cut short after just an hour following a horror challenge. As he tried to make a run towards the goal, he was brought down by opposition defender Brian Negro.
Vernaza was left with an obvious ankle injury, his foot twisted in the wrong direction, as he collapsed onto the pitch screaming in agony. Negro received a red card for the tackle but maintained his innocence, leading to a mass brawl erupting between the two teams, leaving some in tears.
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Meanwhile, Vernaza received extensive medical attention before being rushed to hospital in an ambulance. Former Manchester United star Valencia is among those who have sent their best wishes following the incident, having experienced a similar injury during his tenure at Old Trafford.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “Stay strong in these tough times, you have to come back even stronger. There is no other option, friend.”
Meanwhile, a statement from Independiente del Valle read: “Club Independiente del Valle, in light of the unfortunate injury suffered by our player Jean Pierre Arroyo Vernaza, deeply appreciates the overwhelming number of messages, expressions of affection, and concern shown by fans, clubs, and the entire football community.
“This support and solidarity are a fundamental driving force for Jean Pierre to face this moment with strength and return to the pitch stronger than ever.
“The club sends him all our strength and wishes him a speedy and successful recovery. The entire Independiente del Valle team and family are with him during this difficult time.”
WARNING: PLAYER PICTURED IN DISTRESS BELOW
Elsewhere, Negro has issued an apology in the aftermath. Speaking to Diario Ecuador, he said: “I apologise. Being faster, I caught his ankle. As a person and a footballer, I feel terrible. I’ve called to go to the hospital when things calm down, because it’s still hot.
“I hadn’t realised (what happened). Wishing him a successful operation and a speedy recovery.”
Independiente del Valle eventually went on to triumph 3-1. Elvis Velasco had given Mushuc Runa the advantage, with Emerson Pata levelling before the interval.
Negro was dismissed for his tackle on 63 minutes, with both Cristopher Angulo and Jordy Alcivar receiving their marching orders following the melee between the two sides. Independiente eventually clinched victory with two late strikes from Matias Mijail Perello.
