Tackles by Cancelo at Al Hilal
Tackle the game, and you'll have to tackle the ball too. That's what Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci had to do when he was tackled by Al Hilal forward Adel Taarabt in the first half of their Champions League match on Tuesday.
It wasn't just any tackle, though - it was one that ended with the Moroccan star's knee being twisted and broken. The incident has been widely condemned as a reckless challenge from Bonucci, who is also accused of using his knee to try and stop Taarabt from scoring.
The Italian defender was sent off for the incident, which will no doubt leave him out of action for several weeks if not longer. It's a serious charge against him, but it's clear that he didn't mean to injure Taarabt.
However, there are questions over whether this kind of behavior should be allowed in football. After all,Saudi Pro League Focus we're talking about professional athletes here, who put themselves through grueling training regimes and intense competition every day. They need to be able to play with passion and aggression, but they also need to be aware of the risks involved in playing the game.
In this case, it seems like Bonucci may have crossed a line. But it's up to the clubs and governing bodies to decide how to deal with such incidents, and to ensure that players are held accountable for their actions on the pitch. In the meantime, we'll have to wait and see what happens next in this high-profile affair.
