That'll be smarting today.
In case you didn't know, the Star Sixes is a six-a-side tournament with a difference. It's the the first-ever competitive tournament for former international footballers, in which twelve national teams featuring a host of stellar names go head-to-head at the O2 Arena.
Unlike most 'masters' tournaments, that are played mostly for laughs, there's an edge to the Star Sixes. Not only are each set of players competing for their country's pride, but most are only recently retired, and so there's an element of professional pride at stake. And a few personal scores to settle to boot. This competitive spirit was taken a tad far by former Barca star Carles Puyol on Thursday night.
In a game against former England internationals, the ex-Spanish captain took poor Phil Neville out with a horribly x-rated tackle which could easily have resulted in a broken leg. It wasn't pretty...
https://twitter.com/goalbiencom/status/885760233653645312
Although Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher loved it...
https://twitter.com/Carra23/status/885609819536797696
Thankfully - and luckily - Neville was mostly fine afterwards, but that didn't stop him pointing out the challenge on social media. He was particularly incredulous that the referee waved play on...
https://twitter.com/fizzer18/status/885610859493548033
For his part, Puyol was full of apparent remorse. He replied with the rather sheepish message: 'Sorry man!! I hope your knee is fine. I didn't mean to do it. [prayer hands]'
https://twitter.com/Carles5puyol/status/885623112452255746
We believe you Carles, honest...
