Bertrand condemns Senegal tackling

Ryan Bertrand said he feared for his safety during Great Britain’s bruising Olympic football opener against Senegal on Thursday.

Stuart Pearce’s Team GB took an early lead in the match at Old Trafford through a goal from Craig Bellamy.

But the hosts were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw after a late equaliser by Moussa Konate.

Bertrand was grateful there was no further damage after Joe Allen and Bellamy were forced from the field due to injury.

“There were some horrific challenges. I was fearing for my safety,” Chelsea player Bertrand told reporters.

“I have cuts on my shoulder and I am sure (Craig) Bellamy is feeling down.”

Swansea defender Neil Taylor was another player lucky to escape injury after finding himself on the wrong end of a poor first-half challenge.

“It was lucky Taylor jumped for one tackle – if he hadn’t he could have been really hurt,” Bertrand said.

Team GB take on the United Arab Emirates in their next group game at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The UAE opened their Olympic campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Uruguay.