He can empathise as well as anyone.
A serious injury can really draw the dangers of professional sport into sharp focus and watching on as James McCarthy suffered a suspected double leg break on Saturday must have brought back painful memories for Seamus Coleman.
Coleman, still not fit enough for a return to the Everton first-team, watched the Toffees’ clash with West Brom from a directors’ box. In the 58th-minute, McCarthy tracked Baggies striker Salomon Rondon as he bore down on goal having been played through by Gareth Barry.
The Republic of Ireland international, in a last-ditch attempt to stop Rondon from scoring, stretched out his right leg and planted his foot in between the forward’s foot and the ball. With his studs firmly planted in the turf, Rondon’s boot clashed with the back of McCarthy’s leg, breaking his leg in the process.
The incident was a harrowing one, leaving Rondon in tears as McCarthy received treatment on the pitch. Then, as the midfielder was stretchered off and applause rang out around Goodison Park, Coleman was said to have left his position in the directors’ box to go down and comfort his teammate.
Seamus Coleman appears to be leaving his seat in the directors' box possibly going to wait for and be with his club and international team-mate. He of all people will know the pain McCarthy is in right now. #EFC
— Greg O'Keeffe (@GregOK) January 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/_Drew_McCoy_/status/954753967820386304
Seamus Coleman appears to have left the stand to go visit James McCarthy. Class.
— Royal Blue Mersey (@RBMersey) January 20, 2018
Of course, the extent of Coleman’s involvement was to perhaps offer a few much-needed words of encouragement to his club and international teammate. But it still would have meant a great deal to McCarthy and it’s a measure of Coleman’s compassion and kindness. He has rightly garnered a reputation as one of football’s nicer men and little tidbits like this only endorse that label.
Was sat by Coleman and he got off to see McCarthy straight away. Hope he helps him all the way through his recovery. 👏🏻 @JMcCarthy_16 @seamiecoleman23
— Issy (@Issy__EFC) January 20, 2018
Absolutely gutted for James McCarthy with that leg break, wish him a speedy recovery! Class from Seamus Coleman going to visit him straight away too😢💙 @JMcCarthy_16 @Everton
— Molly Harrison (@MollyOHarrison) January 20, 2018
💙 | All our thoughts are with James McCarthy this evening after it was confirmed he has suffered a double leg fracture.#GetWellSoonJames pic.twitter.com/JpEEIBrKcJ
— Everton (@Everton) January 20, 2018
