When Pascal Struijk innocuously made an attempt to retrieve possession from Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott at Elland Road back in September, he did not anticipate what would happen next.
The Dutch defender's momentum carried him through the back of Elliott, whose planted foot buckled under the Leeds man's weight.
Immediately, physios and paramedics were called to the Liverpool teenager's aid, while Struijk was consoled by Leeds captain Liam Cooper.
It transpired Elliott had sustained a fracture dislocation of his ankle, which left those in close proximity to the challenge in no doubt that medical attention was required at once.
A melee involving Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp followed, as Reds players surrounded the referee, requesting some form of punishment for Struijk.
Ultimately, the Leeds defender was sent off due to what can only be interpreted as the severity of the injury, rather than the intent of the tackle.
Elliott subsequently underwent successful surgery and has since spent the past four-and-a-half months working on his recovery.
Struijk will be pleased to discover the Reds man is set to feature this weekend as Liverpool take on Cardiff City in the FA Cup Fourth Round.
His comeback would signify the end point on his recovery journey, and from Struijk's perspective, allow the defender to put the horror injury he inadvertently caused behind him.
Fellow professionals loathe to see opponents writhing in agony, not least because they could so easily find themselves in that position. Struijk's response in the face of criticism and backlash has been resolute, forthright and respectful.
“Harvey Elliott, my thoughts are with you. I’m gutted and never meant for this to happen," the 22-year-old said on social media.
“I wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you back on the pitch soon.”
Elliott also conducted himself professionally in the immediate aftermath, making pains to stress Struijk's tackle was not made with the intent to harm.
Following the game in question, Marcelo Bielsa said: “I regret dearly that the opponents’ player had to leave the game. I am 100% sure that Pascal didn’t have a bad intention.”
