Ondrej Kolar sustained a huge head injury on Thursday-evening in the Europa League match against Rangers (0-2 win). The 26-year-old goalkeeper of Slavia Prague got Kemar Roofe’s shoe full in his face in the 62nd minute and had to be replaced by stretcher. Although Roofe had no intention of injuring Kolar, he received a direct red card for his high karate kick. Slavia went on to the quarterfinals after the 1-1 draw from the first leg.
Roofe and Kolar went off together for a bouncing ball that fell between them. In addition, the attacker of Rangers was just a little earlier to the ball than the Czech goalie. After Roofe tapped the ball, his shoe hit Kolar’s face. The latter was treated for minutes on end to his bleeding wound and had to be carried off the field by stretcher. Roofe, who had only been on the field for seven minutes, was able to break in.
Ondro, hlavne at jsi v poradku prosim, to je dnes nejdulezitejsi! pic.twitter.com/5OFRQ1l7RO
– Jaroslav Tvrdik (@JaroslavTvrdik) March 18, 2021
Photos show that Kolar sustained a deep cut on his forehead and also hit under his left eye. According to Ronald de Boer, Roofe cannot be blamed for his karate kick. “It is unfortunate,” said De Boer ESPN. “Here he goes for the ball, right? He first goes for the ball, then that head is in between. You can also think: the keeper is too late. Of course it is very serious. He does not do it on purpose. Bad luck for that guy,” but then you just have to have it. “
Other sounds can also be heard on English television. “Roofe can easily tap that ball away and then bring his foot down,” said Peter Lovenkrands, former Rangers player, at the BBC. “I think he could easily remove his foot from the head of the keeper. A clear red card.” Former Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam calls Roofe’s move ‘indefensible’.
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