Video: Is this the worst football tackle ever?
Watch the video of a horrific two-footed tackle from an Israeli football match, which has been described as being “one of the worst challenges ever”.
Maccabi Haifa midfielder Rafi Dahan was on the receiving end of an x-rated challenge from Bnei Yehuda’s Ruben Rayos. An MRI test has since revealed a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, which will force him out injured for at least nine months.
Labelling the challenge as “a criminal act”, and accusing the Spaniard of looking to end his career, Dahan said: “I couldn’t sleep all night. I was given morphine and spent all night thinking of what happened. Only God will punish Rayos for what he did.
“He meant to do it. He tried to end my career and I will never forgive what he did to me. I don’t know if he will be suspended for eight matches or 20 or 30. I don’t care and it doesn’t help me.
“This won’t break me and I’m sure that I will come back stronger.”
Facing an Israeli Football Association disciplinary committee yesterday, the IFA prosecutor will look to seek an additional eight-match ban to the automatic one-game suspension Rayos will receive for the red card he was shown.
Rayos has since apologised for the challenge, posting a message on his Facebook page, which said: “I want to publicly apologise to Rafi Dahan. A move during the match has ended in the worst possible way.
“In my career I have never been in a similar situation, I didn’t mean to hurt him. I will contact Rafi to apologise, I am very upset.”
As well as having to endure a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Dahan has also had to reschedule his wedding, which was due to take place in two weeks’ time.
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