Bolton boss Coyle was unhappy at the tackle on Mark Davies

Bolton manager Owen Coyle has retracted his comments that Arsenal's William Gallas should have been sent off for his tackle on Mark Davies.

The incident in the build-up to Arsenal's second goal in Wednesday's 4-2 win at the Emirates left Davies with suspected ankle damage.

"Having looked at it I don't think William Gallas purposely went to hurt Mark Davies," admitted Coyle.

"I think it was badly timed, simple as that but we have to move on."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger apologised later for the challenge and it is understood Gallas is unlikely to face any retrospective action from the Football Association.

The French international appeared to catch Davies with a late tackle on the ankle in the 52nd minute.

However, referee Alan Wiley deemed the challenge was legitimate and allowed play to continue, allowing Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas to level the scores at 2-2.

Davies, who was replaced by Gavin McCann in the 56th minute, later left the ground on crutches.

"It was closer to an assault than a tackle," said Coyle straight after the game. "There was no doubt it was a free-kick. It was a terrible foul and normally would have resulted in a red card.

"The referee is an honest man who will realise he has made a horrendous mistake.

"Arsenal carried on and scored and it puts fair play out of the window. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version