Wolves defender Stephen Ward has absolved Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas of any blame regarding the tackle which left him needing four stitches in a gashed shin.
Ward had to be stretchered off during the closing stages of Wednesday's clash between the sides at Molineux after being on the receiving end of Fabregas's challenge.
The Gunners midfielder was yellow carded for the touch-line tackle and came in for abuse from Wolves fans for the remainder of the game.
But Ward has exonerated the Spanish star who apologised after the game in the Wolves dressing room.
He said: "It's a little bit sore but it's just one of those things. Thankfully it's nothing more serious.
"I've had four stitches in there and it was painful at the time.
"Thankfully when they (the medical staff) assessed it, they realised it was just an open wound and there wasn't any other damage.
"I never thought it was broken or anything but it was really painful so I didn't really know what I'd done."
Ward added: "I've no problems about the tackle. It happens in football and everyone tackles.
"It happens a couple of times in every game when people try and block you.
"He (Fabregas) is not a malicious player and I know there was no intent.
"It was just a mistimed challenge and one of those things that happens in every game.
"It was good of him to come and find me and apologise and that shows what kind of a lad he is.
"He's one of the best players around and for him to feel he wanted to apologise was a nice gesture.
"There probably wasn't any need because it was just a mistimed challenge but it was good of him anyway."
