O'RILEY AGONY
Ex-Celtic star Matt O’Riley helped off pitch just EIGHT MINUTES into Brighton debut as horror tackle leaves fans fuming
Fans have blasted his opponent for the 'horrendous' tackle
MATT O'RILEY's Brighton debut ended in disaster as he lasted just EIGHT minutes before being forced off with an injury.
The former Celtic man completed his record-breaking move to the Seagulls yesterday and was given the nod to start tonight's EFL Cup clash with Crawley Town.
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But his debut was cruelly cut short after after he was on the receiving end of a horror challenge from opposition player Jay Williams.
O'Riley looked distraught as he limped off the pitch with the help of club medics and was replaced by Mark O'Mahony after a short delay.
The ex-Celtic man is now a doubt for Brighton's league match against Arsenal on Saturday.
Fans were left fuming over the incident and branded the tackle from the Crawley player as "horrendous".
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Reacting on social media, one wrote: "Crawley player didn't even get booked. A scandalous challenge."
Another said: "Horrendous tackle on Matt O’Riley."
A third commented: "Horror tackle, pointless watching now."
Others were devastated for the midfielder and couldn't believe the 23-year-old's luck - just 24 hours after his move to Brighton was confirmed.
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One posted: "Gutted for him ffs - absolutely stinker of a tackle too."
While someone else wrote: "Can only feel for the lad. Gutting for him."
Emotional Matt O'Riley opens up on Celtic transfer exit as he leaves 'family club' for new challenge at Brighton
O'Riley was thrown into the squad by manager Fabian Hurzeler after only signing a five-year deal with the club yesterday.
Speaking after his move was confirmed, O'Riley admitted it had been a "stressful" period trying to thrash out a deal but revealed his delight at the move getting over the line.
"I'm very, very happy," he said:
"It got a little bit stressful over the last couple of weeks, if I'm being honest, because I think the talks were ongoing for a good couple of months but I'm just really happy to be here now."
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page