- Oct 29, 2016
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Footballer Rees Welsh wins landmark injury claim
A match between Ossett Town and Radcliffe Borough was abandoned when Welsh broke his ankle
www.skysports.com
Footballer Reece Welsh has won more than £150,000 in a landmark injury claim case that could lead to more football players claiming damages for getting injured.
A match between Ossett Town and Radcliffe Borough in the Northern Premier League had to be abandoned in April 2015 after Welsh suffered a badly broken ankle following a tackle from Ossett's Sam Akeroyd.
A court in Manchester on Tuesday afternoon awarded Welsh £19,297.38. Akeroyd and Ossett Town were also ordered to pay costs totalling £135,000.
The injury kept Welsh out for 13 months, and he sued Akeroyd's employers at the time Ossett Town for loss of earnings.
While it's not unheard of for players to take legal action against opponents following serious injury, they are rarely successful.
While defence costs are covered by Ossett Town's league insurance, any payout would not be covered - and the verdict could also have a potentially devastating impact on clubs at that level.
Ossett Town exist in name only as they merged with Ossett Albion last year to form Ossett United, but the company does still own the Ingfield ground where the injury took place.
A ruling in favour of Mr Welsh would likely mean that they would have to sell the stadium to developers, and also leave other semi-professional clubs open to similar legal proceedings.
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If the challenge that causes an injury is complete recklessness then yes maybe legal action should be taken. Im surprised more players havent sued opponents because ive seen some nasty challenges in those part time leagues.
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