Stoke City 1 Arsenal 3: Shawcross rewarded despite horror tackle

Shawcross was visibly distressed and left the field in tears after being sent off for a reckless challenge on Ramsey in the second half of Stoke's 3-1 Premier League defeat at the Britannia Stadium.

Ramsey was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery in scenes reminiscent of those when Gunners team-mate Eduardo suffered a similarly horrific injury two years ago.

Arsenal yesterday confirmed Ramsey had suffered fractures to the tibia and fibula of his right leg and would miss the rest of the season at least.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger vented his fury at Shawcross after the game but opposite number Tony Pulis, while also condemning the tackle, defended Shawcross' character.

And the 22-year-old, who in a surprising twist was later named in the England squad for the first time, has also received the backing of his team-mates.

Midfielder Danny Pugh said: "I have obviously seen it and I think it was a 50-50 tackle. Ryan has not gone in to hurt him. He is not a malicious kind of lad and does not go out to hurt anyone.

"I think Ryan has genuinely gone for the ball. It is just unfortunate that the lad has been hurt so badly."

Wales international Ramsey, 19, was expected to be transferred to a hospital in London yesterday.

An Arsenal statement read: "The operation successfully reduced the fractures and whilst it is too soon to state an exact timescale for recovery, Aaron will certainly miss the remainder of this season."

Wenger's pointed post-match remarks threatened to spark a row with Stoke and prompted the Potteries club to issue a statement late Saturday night.

"Ryan Shawcross has no bad blood in him whatsoever," said Pulis. "There is no way in a million years he would ever go out and try and hurt someone."

Shawcross was also quoted saying there was "absolutely no malice in the challenge" and he "would never, ever go out to hurt a fellow professional".

Arsenal showed great resolve after the Ramsey incident – which occurred with the score

1-1 after 65 minutes – to go on to win the game.

Stoke opened the scoring through Pugh but Nicklas Bendtner levelled before the interval and Cesc Fabregas put the Gunners ahead with a penalty in the last minute of the regular 90 minutes.

Thomas Vermaelen then wrapped up the win.