Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler expressed his frustration and disappointment over a harsh challenge that abruptly ended new signing Matt O’Riley’s debut after just nine minutes of play against Crawley Town. O’Riley, who recently completed a £25 million switch from Celtic, was thrust into action in a League Cup match against EFL League One side, Crawley Town. However, his promising debut was cut short when he fell victim to a heavy tackle from Crawley captain Jay Williams as he carried the ball into the opposition half.
In the wake of the challenge, O’Riley had to be helped off the pitch by Brighton’s medical staff, prompting Hurzeler to make an early substitution, replacing the injured midfielder with Mark O’Mahony. Despite the setback, Premier League side Brighton went on to secure a 3-0 victory over Crawley Town. However, the incident left Hurzeler visibly upset and concerned about O’Riley’s injury and its potential impact on the team.
Following the match, an irate Hurzeler lambasted the challenge that marred O’Riley’s debut, describing it as “ridiculous” and having no place in the sport. He expressed dismay over the nature of the foul, noting that it was a pivotal moment that changed the course of the game emotionally. Hurzeler emphasized the need for fair play and better sportsmanship on the field, urging for more responsible behavior from players to prevent such incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, Crawley boss Scott Lindsey issued a formal apology on behalf of his team for their aggressive approach during the match, acknowledging that they may have crossed a line with their intensity. Lindsey expressed regret over the challenge that led to O’Riley’s injury, conceding that they may have been too physical in their tactics. Despite the competitive nature of the game, Lindsey extended well-wishes to Brighton and expressed hope for O’Riley’s swift recovery as he wished Brighton success in the next round of the competition.
