(Photo from Telegraph.co.uk)
As Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey crumpled to the turf, both Arsenal and Stoke City players feared the worst; and they were right. Victim of a horror challenge from Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross, Ramsey's right leg was unnaturally bent in a hideous angle.
With the Welshman in obvious pain, and about to go into shock from the grotesque sight of his leg, Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan did the only thing he could: he rushed to the young player's side and tried to distract him from his injury.
Taken from a Goal.com article about the game, Whelan had this to say about the on-field situation:
"The lad was in a lot of distress and we just wanted the medics and physios to get on as soon as possible...he kept wanting to look at his leg but I could see how bad it was and I wouldn't let him. He was in shock. I told him just to think about something else and hold on until the ambulancemen arrived and they could do their job."
Hearing this from a member of the opposing team certainly makes you feel better about soccer players in today's world of marketing and player image. Too many times we hear stories about scandals and spoiled players (I'm looking at you, John Terry). Whelan's selfless actions were highly commendable and a great indicator of his professionalism and sportsmanship.
I wish the Irishman the best throughout the rest of his career and may he serve as a role model for other players.
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