Injured Gareth Bale brands Charlie Adam ‘coward’ over bad tackle

SCOTLAND’S forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Wales have already been given added spice after a row developed between Welsh international Gareth Bale and Scottish midfielder Charlie Adam.

Bale has criticised Liverpool player Adam for a second bad tackle which has left the Tottenham winger on crutches.

Adam injured Bale with a challenge during the 0-0 draw between the two sides at the M&T Bank stadium, home of NFL franchise the Baltimore Ravens, in a pre-season friendly.

In May 2011, Adam, then playing for Blackpool, injured Bale in another tackle, causing ankle damage which left the Welshman sidelined for three months.

Speaking after the stalemate in Maryland, Bale said: “He’s a bit of a coward. What he did was over the top. Some people are like that and it’s just wrong.

“It’s flattering when players try to take you out in a game but, when it threatens your career, it becomes more serious than that.”

Bale and Adam have history following the latter’s challenge when he was playing for Blackpool in 2011. Bale added: “There are pictures on the internet of what he did before when he snapped all my ankle ligaments. I was out for three months that time. He’s come for me twice now – and he’s got me twice.

“When someone makes a very bad tackle on you, you expect an apology. I’ve had no apology. And I’m not going to accept his apology.”

Bale’s Tottenham team-mate, Kyle Walker, joined the condemnation of Adam. “Gareth is a very good player. He needs protection,” said the England full-back.

“Players shouldn’t hate him. They should appreciate playing against a player like him. They can actually learn from him rather kick him. It’s simple. He [Adam] is jealous, as Gareth is such a good player.”