Hospitalised Falcao 'rugby-tackled' says coach

Monaco (AFP) – Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim was left scandalised that a ‘rugby tackle’ that hospitalised striker Radamel Falcao with head and chest injuries went unpunished in their midweek 4-0 Ligue 1 defeat to Nice.

Falcao took a heavy knock to the head when he was caught in a sandwich between goalkeeper Yoann Cardinale and defender Paul Baysse.

Falcao had been chasing a bouncing ball which Cardinale punched clear from just inside his area.

But with the 30-year-old Colombian who rose to fame at Atletico Madrid still under observation in Monte Carlo’s Princesse-Grace hospital after scans to head and chest injuries, his Portuguese coach was fuming.

“In most places in Europe that’s a red card,” said Jardim.

“Referees should make sure that in these kind of situations there is proper punishment. It was like a rugby tackle.”

Doctors including a neurologist will decide when he can return to action.

Monaco next play Angers on Saturday before hosting Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday.