Barry

Barry Fuller challenges Tony Diagne on Saturday Picture: Andy Payton

Fuller could face another lengthy lay-off after being hit by an ugly challenge at Priestfield on Saturday.

The Gillingham captain came on as a second-half substitute but within eight minutes was floored by a tackle from Macclesfield’s Tony Diagne. He ended the afternoon in hospital.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler believes the Macclesfield man should have walked after the incident.

Hessenthaler said: “For me that was a sending-off. It looked a naughty challenge and we’ve seen it on the DVD.

“I don’t like to see players sent off, because I was a proper tough tackler and I did things, but I was sent off for things.”

Referee Chris Sarginson said he would review the incident over the weekend.

“He said he would phone me on Monday (today) and let me know – I think it’s a sending-off personally,” said the Gills boss. “The linesman told our players it was a naughty challenge.

“Barry could now have a broken leg or it could be worse, it could be a cruciate knee injury.”

The damage was inflicted just below the knee and Fuller, who started the season recovering from injury, looks like he will be ending it on the sidelines.

“We’re thinking of him and hope it’s not as serious as it first looked,” said Hessenthaler.

Picture above: Barry Fuller receives treatment from physio Steve Allen (by Andy Payton).

How much of a blow is the injury to Barry Fuller ahead of their crunch match with Chesterfield? Comment below.