Preston player responds to Tatsuhiro Sakamoto injury and reaches out to Coventry City player

Andrew Hughes of Preston North End sent Tatsuhiro Sakamoto of Coventry City a note stating that he didn’t mean to “harm” him and that it’s unfortunate that he has such a long-term injury.

Fans of the Sky Blues criticized the seasoned full-back for how he approached the match with the Japanese winger, who had collapsed badly and suffered a severe back injury in last week’s 3-0 loss at CBS Arena, ending his season.

Hughes replied to the Lancashire Post, “Yeah and no,” when asked if he was surprised by the response. It is clearly upsetting from the perspective of a Coventry supporter, as he is an important player for them. However, I had a conversation with the player and that was not my aim at that particular moment.

“I have messaged him and just said it wasn’t my intention to cause any harm. He knew that and was fine. It is just a shame when you come away and see the extent of the injury as long-term. I don’t wish that on anyone. So I did feel bad that night. But it is part of the game, isn’t it? It’s a contact sport and there are going to be injuries, with people competing for the ball.”