Stoke City Defender Ryan Shawcross: I Am Deeply Upset Aaron Ramsey Has Suffered Bad Injury

Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross has stated that he has been left "deeply upset" following the "bad injury" he caused Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, 19, during the two sides' Premier League clash at the Britannia Stadium.

The score was tied 1-1 when the injury occured, with a number of players - from both sides - visibly moved by the Welshman's broken leg before the Gunners showed courage to emerge 3-1 winners.

Shawcross, who issued a statement on the club's official website, has claimed he meant no harm. He said: "There was absolutely no malice in the challenge. I would never, ever go out to hurt a fellow professional.

"I am deeply upset that Aaron has suffered such a bad injury and my thoughts are with him.

"I would like to send him my best wishes too for a speedy recovery."

The Potters, together with club manager Tony Pulis, have defended the player. Pulis claimed Shawcross has "no bad blood in him", before adding that the manner in which he left the pitch - appearing inconsolable - is evidence of his heartbreak.

"Ryan Shawcross has no bad blood in him whatsoever," he said.

"The lad was heartbroken at what has happened, you could see as he came off the pitch that he was in tears and he feels devastated that Aaaron has been so badly injured."