PFA praying for speedy recovery for Eduardo

Feb 27 2008 By Colin Tattum

THE PFA has taken a neutral stance on the Martin Taylor-Eduardo affair.

Players' union boss Gordon Taylor has written to both players expressing his sympathy.

But he stopped short of defending the Blues centre-half against Arsene Wenger's outrageous claim that he should be thrown out of football for good.

Wenger backtracked to a degree, but has not apologised to Martin Taylor nor categorically withdrawn his inflammatory words.

Gordon Taylor said: "It is a very unfortunate situation. It was one of those footballing things that happens. There have been some other bad injuries in the game.

"But there was immediate recognition that the lad is not a vindictive player, not a nasty player, and does not have a reputation for making poor challenges. In fact he is sometimes accused of being 'a gentle giant'.

"I have written to Martin and I believe he has the strength of character to overcome this. He has shown remorse and he went to see the lad in hospital. He is a good lad and I know how badly he feels about it. The incident happened so quickly. It was one of those things. It happened early on in the game and Martin was late but, like I said, he is not a nasty player and wouldn't inflict an injury like that deliberately."

He added: "I have also written to Eduardo and it is a tragedy for him, his club and his country and he is going to miss out on playing in the Euro 2008 finals."

The 'special relationship' between Blues and Arsenal might well be damaged by the whole furore.

Blues have signed, permanently or on loan, eight players from Arsenal in the last five years.

Former Blues winger Gordon Taylor said: "Managers do get inflamed. Arsene is like that. I understand his reaction. It was over the top but to be fair he has since retracted it.

"You just hope that the good relationship between Birmingham and Arsenal remains. You hope that survives.

"I have a lot of admiration for both managers."