Larne midfielder Fuad Sule insists “all is good” between himself and Jordan Stewart after the Linfield winger sustained a leg injury in Tuesday night’s County Antrim Shield final at Seaview.
Stewart was stretchered off - and later left the stadium on crutches - following a full-blooded challenge from Sule in the latter stages of the showpiece.
Sule took to Twitter to “make it clear” that he would “never intentionally try and hurt another player” and also revealed he contacted Stewart on Wednesday.
A Tomas Cosgrove header 13 minutes from time proved the difference as Larne retained the Shield with a 1-0 win over the Blues in North Belfast.
Sule wrote: “I would like to make it clear that although I’m a player that gives 100 percent every time I’m on the pitch, I would never ever intentionally try and hurt another player.
“I’m not that kind of person. I spoke to Jordan this morning and all is good. No love lost (but) always respect."
In a follow-up tweet, Sule added: "Secondly, great win, great night, great lads. More to come. Inshallah.”
David Healy left his technical area and made his way to the centre circle to check on Stewart who was visibly distressed before leaving the pitch with his leg in a brace.
And afterwards the Linfield boss insisted he had no regrets entering the field of play and claimed the match officials had ordered him from the pitch.
“I have a duty of care to the player and that’s why I went on,” he said. “I wasn’t having a go at Tony (Clarke, the referee) or the Larne player.
“I was consoling Jordan because I have a human side to me as the manager. I could see from the sidelines that my player was distressed.
“Jordan will be assessed and hopefully it won’t be too serious.”
