Anthony Elanga stretchered off in Newcastle pleasant as horror sort out sparks mass brawl
Newcastle star Anthony Elanga was stretchered off in agony after being on the end of a disgraceful tackle in a pre-season friendly against Valencia which started a mass brawl
Anthony Elanga was stretchered off during Newcastle’s friendly against Valencia(Image: Clive Brunskill, Getty Images)
Anthony Elanga was stretchered off in agony during Newcastle’s pre-season friendly against Valencia.
The affair at the Mestalla was anything but friendly as both clubs ramped up their preparations for the new season, and the game boiled over when Elanga was caught on the shin by a disgraceful challenge from Valencia left-back Jose Gaya.
New Magpies boss Matthias Jaissle, sprinted onto the field to shield Elanga before the Swede was carried off the field in pain, though it’s understood that the Newcastle star is fine and was moving about the changing room after receiving medical attention.
The tackle sparked a huge brawl(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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Jaissle was overseeing Newcastle for the first time since assuming control of the club and replacing Eddie Howe. While thankfully, the former Manchester United winger is reported to have sustained a bruised shin, but is believed to have escaped serious harm.
After the challenge, Gaya was brandished a red card by referee Jose Martinez and the incident sparked a 25-man melee.
Jaissle and his entire backroom team charged onto the pitch as Elanga remained down on the grass following the tackle. Martinez required merely three seconds to flash the red card at Gaya.
Elanga was forced to be stretchered off(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Newcastle were compelled to withdraw Elanga, with Jacob Murphy instantly brought on in his place, while Valencia were forced to continue with ten men.
William Osula was among the first to rush to Elanga’s aid to check on his welfare, with an instant decision taken to withdraw him from the action.
The full severity of Elanga’s injury remains unknown as he limped off grasping his knee in obvious pain, a major blow for Newcastle given his display during the opening period.
Elanga had seen a goal chalked off for a tight offside call in the first half and delivered an outstanding showing before sustaining the knock.
Newcastle then made four additional changes at the interval as Aladji Bamba, Osula, Harvey Barnes and Leo Shahar were all hauled off.
