El Khalej, 33, who has played in two World Cups for Morocco, said yesterday he intended to visit Dyer to apologise in person. He said: 'I'm so sorry for what has happened, I never meant to hurt him.

'I went for the ball but it was a bad tackle and I was late because he was too quick for me. I am very sad for Kieron and I need to talk to him. Maybe I will visit him in Newcastle to see him and say that I am sorry.

'When I found out he would miss the World Cup I was sad. I played in World Cups in 1994 and 1998 and I know it is every player's dream. 'Never in my life have I tackled a player and he has stayed down like that.'

El Khalej is certain to face sanction from Southampton boss Gordon Strachan. 'I've no defence for the tackle and neither can he,' said Strachan.

'I haven't spoken to him and any action I will take is between me and him. I'm not happy to see a young talent like Dyer get a tackle like that. I want to watch players like him and to see England do well at the World Cup.'

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

Answers

Can`t see him going all the way from Southampton to Newcastle to say sorry though.... Nice that Strachan didn`t use the Wenger myopia defence and has actually condemned the challenge.

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

He will be sorry if he dares to appear at SJP next season. Of course the oddly named "Saints" and Khalej will bottle that one for sure.

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

Dirty tw@t!

Respect for Strachan's honesty - more respect if he immediately transfer-lists the guy.

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

Haven`t seen the incident - was it that bad?

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

It was horrible, the ball was at least 6 feet away. I hope dyer doesn't sue, as this would change the face of the game forever. I do hope that someone comes across this moroccan lad in the street and breaks his legs. It will be interesting to see if he plays us next season, methinks retribution would be in order.

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

Most of the Saints fans that I know down here were horrified by the "tackle". They were even annoyed that he showed his face on the pitch at the end of the game.

This was not a mis-timed tackle as the lunge started after KD had pushed the ball forward, It was more like 6yards away than 6 feet, it was malicious.

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

If the Saint fans were horrified why did a canny few cheer the twat when he was sent off and why did the twats give Dyer shit as he was carried off?

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

" that I know " was what I said. There were complete T0$$ers next to me in the ground who, as you say, cheered the tackle. I'd also point out that I've seen the same from our fans when one of our "Lads" clatters someone else. On reflection I think most now see the incident as terrible.

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

A letter to Kieran,

"Dear Kieron, I am writing to offer my sincerest apologies for my involvement in your injury and to wish you the speediest of recoveries.

"I truly hope you will be fit in time to take your deserved place in the England squad at this summer's World Cup. Having represented my country in the World Cup I fully appreciate how special an occasion it is for every player.

"I am consequently distraught at the thought that my challenge may have cost you your chance to play in this summer's World Cup.

"During my two and a half years in England I have been made to feel extremely welcome and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. In fact I will be supporting England in the World Cup and dearly wish the team to have all of its best players available. I believe you are a brilliant player who would grace the competition.

"I would like you to know that I had no intention whatsoever of injuring you. I had the sole intention of winning the ball but tragically mistimed the tackle.

"During my playing career in England and with Morocco (I have received 99 caps) I never been sent off. I hope this demonstrates I am a disciplined player who has always endeavoured to play football in a fair and clean manner.

"May I take this chance to apologise once again for this tragic incident. I hope you will allow me to visit you in Newcastle. Yours sincerely, Tahar El Khalej."

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2002

i was waiting for the punchline GaRCie!

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2002

Dyer certainly isn't, swift

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2002

Any chance of Shearer exacting revenge tonight ifd Khalej is playing.

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2002

YKD:

`Let's just say I am not too happy about the challenge,''

'The ball had gone and he had no intention or chance of playing it.

"I don't know how somebody could do that to a fellow professional.''

TW@T

:-(

:-(

:-(

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2002

If we're to be objective about the tackle itself, we need to divorce ourselves from the fact that he may miss the world cup because of it. The fact that the downside of the tackle is a possible missd world cup is irrelevant as far as the actual tackle is concerned. The fact is the tackle was a deliberate attempt to stop Dyer's run, with his leg high enough to stop him just jumping over it. No question that it deserved a red card. Bit IMO it wasn't intended to injure. Any tackle of that nature could of course result in a bad injury, hence why it's worthy of a straight red, but we a) should read too much into the intent and b) 9 times out of ten, there wouldn't be an injury.

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2002

Finally saw the highlights last night, and while the original intent of that tackle may not have been to injure, the recklessness of it certainly increases the likelihood of serious injury. So pretty much the same thing in my mind. It's a horror tackle no matter who the victim is. :-/

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2002

I believe Stuart Pearce is playing tonight - I hope El Khalej is!

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2002

As we all agree it was an awful challenge, the like of which should not appear in this beautiful game, why oh WHY does anyone wish this to be done back to El Khalej?

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2002