Steinsson relieved after his lucky escape from Diaby's horror tackle

14 April 2012

Bolton defender Gretar Steinsson has revealed his relief at emerging largely unscathed from Abou Diaby's horror tackle at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

The Arsenal midfielder was given a straight red card by referee Chris Foy for a lunge at Steinsson that was reminiscent of Martin Taylor's tackle which broke the leg of Gunners striker Eduardo last month.

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Relieved to escape: Gretar Steinsson could play on after Abou Diaby's challenge at the Reebok Stadium

Relieved to escape: Gretar Steinsson could play on after Abou Diaby's challenge at the Reebok Stadium

The Croatian was unlucky enough to be ruled out for the rest of the season and this summer's European Championship, but Steinsson was able to carry on playing - a small positive on a day when struggling Bolton let slip a 2-0 advantage to go down 3-2.

"I had a little bit of luck there," the Iceland international admitted.

"It was a foul, but it's up to the referee to give cards and, if he decides it's a red, that's it."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger rejected claims that Diaby's challenge compared to Martin Taylor's last month.

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Season wrecker: Arsene Wenger insists Martin Taylor's tackle on Eduardo was worse than that made by Diaby

Wenger protested: "It was not comparable. But the tackle was a fraction high, you can't complain."

The sending off only seemed to galvanise Arsenal on Saturday, as they brought to an end their dreadful run of form with a storming second half comeback.

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