NZ striker Shane Smeltz takes nasty kick to head
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New Zealand moved a giant step closer to next year's World Cup when they beat New Caledonia 2-1 on Friday, but it came at a price.
As injury time beckoned, striker Shane Smeltz suffered a nasty gash to his head after a Caledonian defender planted a crazy-high boot into his face.
Blood gushed from a wound to the head, what appeared to be the result of studs to the face or head area.
Smeltz immediately hit the deck, yet incredibly the officials awarded New Caledonia a goal-kick when a penalty and red card were clearly to correct decisions.
"On any other day, that would have been a red card," All Whites captain Winston Reid commented on the reckless act.
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| New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz has his face busted open from an upraised New Caledonian boot Photo: YouTube |
As injury time beckoned, striker Shane Smeltz suffered a nasty gash to his head after a Caledonian defender planted a crazy-high boot into his face.
Blood gushed from a wound to the head, what appeared to be the result of studs to the face or head area.
Smeltz immediately hit the deck, yet incredibly the officials awarded New Caledonia a goal-kick when a penalty and red card were clearly to correct decisions.
"On any other day, that would have been a red card," All Whites captain Winston Reid commented on the reckless act.
