Fuming Brighton Fans Slam Crawley Star for "Disgusting" Reaction to Injuring New Signing
Brighton and Hove Albion fans have been left fuming after witnessing Crawley Town midfielder Jay Williams’ horror tackle on new signing Matt O’Riley, with many calling for the Crawley star to be punished for his actions.
O’Riley, a 23-year-old Danish international, was making his debut for the Seagulls in their Carabao Cup tie against Crawley on Monday, and it was a memorable one for all the wrong reasons. The midfielder was forced off the pitch just 10 minutes into the game after suffering an injury courtesy of Williams’ late and reckless challenge.
The Crawley midfielder was only shown a yellow card for his actions, sparking outrage among Brighton fans who felt the punishment was not severe enough. And it wasn’t just the tackle itself that has left fans fuming – it’s Williams’ apparent reaction to the injury that has really got people talking.
A video circulating on social media appears to show Williams smiling and winking as O’Riley lies on the pitch in pain, with many fans interpreting this as a sign of disrespect and arrogance. "Crawley Town’s Jay Williams after injuring Matt O’Riley. Karma is coming," one fan tweeted, while another added, "Jay Williams welcoming Brighton’s £25M signing in the most Crawley way."
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was quick to praise O’Riley’s qualities after the game, saying: "He plays a very specialist position; he is very good at occupying and attacking the right space. He likes making deep runs, and knows when to attack at the right time. He enjoys getting forward and attacking the opponent’s penalty area, but he also has a good defensive instinct."
While O’Riley’s injury has undoubtedly put a damper on Brighton’s Carabao Cup hopes, fans are already rallying around their new signing, with many hoping he will make a swift recovery and be back on the pitch soon.
In the meantime, it’s clear that Williams has made some enemies among the Brighton faithful, and it’s hard to blame them. As one fan put it, "Disgusting from Jay Williams, smiling and winking after injuring a fellow professional. No class."
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