On March 24, Neil Taylor broke Seamus Coleman's leg in two places. Experts predict Coleman may be back on a football pitch some time early next year but we have no idea what kind of effect the injury will have on Coleman's career.
In the days after the tackle, there was talk of FIFA throwing the book at Taylor for the injury. Eight game bans were mooted.
Today, also known as Ban Day in football, white smoke has been spotted in Zurich. FIFA has ruled on the Taylor tackle, and decided it merits only a two game ban. Taylor was, of course, due to sit out Wales's game in Belgrade next month because he was sent off for the aforementioned leg break. So in effect, FIFA have merely added a single game onto the ban.
Compare FIFA's punishment of Taylor with that of Luis Suarez, who was banned for 9 matches over 4 months for nibbling on Giorgio Chiellini, and you can see why football fans in Ireland and Liverpool were not impressed.
No idea how Neil Taylor has only been banned for 2 games for that horrendous challenge on Seamus Coleman. Ridiculous.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) April 26, 2017
Two game ban for Neil Taylor for Coleman leg break. To think Jason Forde will get that for a shoulder on a pitch invader
— Ger Keville (@GerKeville) April 26, 2017
Usual bunch of BS going on at FIFA, the last I heard they were gonna "throw the book" at Neil Taylor ass! I'm furious!😡 #ROI #COYBIG 🇮🇪⚽️
— ConorYNWA1 🇮🇪 (@conorYNWA1) April 26, 2017
Neil Taylor gets 2 match competitive ban for NEARLY ENDING SEAMUS COLEMAN'S CAREER!!! Yeah ok FIFA that make perfect sense...👌🙄 #COYBIG 🇮🇪⚽️
— ConorYNWA1 🇮🇪 (@conorYNWA1) April 26, 2017
The punishment doesn't match the crime here unfortunately, to say Neil Taylor has gotten off lightly would be an understatement #SSNHQ
— Kevin Roche (@K_Ro_89) April 26, 2017
Neil taylor banned for 2 games. I got more games ban for a bit of hugging in the rockmount dug out last year 😂#joke
— Kevin Kelleher (@Kkelleher1991) April 26, 2017
