Newcastle's Massadio Haidara shocked by Callum McManaman reprieve

Newcastle United defender Massadio Haidara has admitted his surprise that Callum McManaman will not be facing punishment for a tackle which he feels could have ruined his life, but he is no longer angry with the Wigan forward and would be prepared to meet him.

Shudder

Haidara admits he was baffled by comments from Dave Whelan in the wake of the controversy, as the Wigan chairman defended his player and said the tackle was fair. "I understand how he wants to defend his player but you have to be fair and honest. You just have to watch the footage and see the photographs to understand. People will make their own judgement but I don't want to be at war with Wigan now." Speaking about the challenge, he added: "I've not forgotten anything. I can still picture it, frame by frame, in my head. The ball arrived. I controlled it. I thought I would have the time to dribble past him but he arrived like a missile on me. "Everything was going so quickly. I didn't think he would tackle me, but even less at that height of my knee. Then I felt his studs on my leg - and straight away the terrible pain. "I really thought my leg was broken. I was in so much pain I couldn't think of anything. I was completely shocked - I still am, to be fair - and I started thinking about my career and everything. I thought I would not play football again or never be back 100 per cent. "I have to say I've never seen such a tackle in football in my life. I shudder every time I think about it."