Brighton chiefs continue to endure a nervy wait to discover the extent of Matt O'Riley's injury after the midfielder was forced off minutes into his debut.
The former Celtic star, 23, couldn't continue against Crawley after a heavy challenge left him struggling to put weight on his ankle.
O'Riley - who moved for a record Scottish transfer fee - was clattered by Crawley skipper Jay Williams on the halfway line.
🚨🎥 This is thehorror tackle that injured Matt O’Riley on his Brighton debut. 😳pic.twitter.com/tmBiKQAXFT
— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) August 27, 2024
The midfielder was replaced with just nine minutes on the clock with two medical staff helping him leave the pitch for further treatment.
Crawley boss Scott Lindsey has since apologised for the tackle. He commented: “Maybe we were a bit aggressive, maybe the referee missed it (the challenge) and I would like to apologise.
“I wouldn’t want anyone to be hurt. We are both passionate about the game and we wish Brighton all the best in the next round.”
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Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said: “You have to accept it is their way of playing.”
On O'Riley's fitness after the flashpoint, Hurzeler added: “We have to wait for the scan. At the moment he cannot put any weight on his ankle.
"I think players know their body best so his reaction was not good.”
