Stephen Kenny Has Weighed In On The McBride-Hoban Collision

Dundalk FC Boss Stephen Kenny has taken to the club's website to comment on the horrendous injury suffered by Derry City defender Ryan McBride, in a collision with the Lilywhites' Patrick Hoban on Monday night.

Kenny said that the collision was "a completely accidental clash of heads" and that "any statement to the contrary is grossly irresponsible". The game was halted for 15 minuted while McBride was treated.

His message to fans can be clearly seen as a response to comments made by Derry manager Roddy Collins after the match. Collins suggested that Hoban set out to "do" McBride, despite ending up on the ground with a bloodied nose himself.

Said Collins: "He done him. I believe he done him" (sic). He was widely criticized for the accusation, which was made immediately after the 3-0 win by high-flying Dundalk.

McBride was discharged from hospital yesterday.

Said Kenny:

I gave Ryan McBride his debut for Derry City and he is one of the bravest players I have ever managed. He is a very committed professional and I was very sorry to see him get hurt on Monday night.

In terms of bravery, commitment and honesty Patrick Hoban is actually very similar. The TV replays of the incident show two committed players trying to win an aerial duel. The footage shows clearly that this was a completely accidental clash of heads and any statement to the contrary is grossly irresponsible.

As well as being top-class for Dundalk FC since I signed him for the club before the start of last year, Patrick has an outstanding disciplinary record. Some of the comments being made about Patrick have been incredibly unfair. The referee got the decision absolutely spot-on. It was a very unfortunate accident.