Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker’s challenge on San Jose’s Sam Cronin made headlines in the U.K. where Reo-Coker has spent the majority of his playing career. The challenge occurred in the final minutes of a match that finished in a 1-1 draw on Saturday, April 6 in San Jose against the Earthquakes.
Metro, The Sun and Daily Mail all describe the challenge as a “horror tackle” deserving of a red card. Metro went so far as calling the tackle “x-rated” and as a “full-blooded crunch on the San Jose man.”
The video of the play (as seen below) shows Reo-Coker and Cronin both going after the ball in what is called a 50/50 challenge. Reo-Coker slid and initially made contact with the ball before his momentum took him through Cronin who was sent tumbling through the air.
Reo-Coker did not receive any disciplinary action from the referee after making the tackle, much to the chagrin of Cronin’s Earthquakes teammates who were up in arms over the challenge demanding a card be shown to the Englishman.
The former England U-21 Captain does have a reputation of not shying away from the art of tackling. It is his willingness to win the ball that gives him his competitive edge making him the obvious choice to replace both Jay Demerit and Kenny Miller, who are both out with injuries, as the current Vancouver Whitecaps Captain.
Cronin was not down for too long and he was able to finish the game.
Let us know what you think of the tackle. Fair or foul?
Feature Image: MLS Soccer
Follow Channels and Categories