A clearly distressed Newcastle Jets coach, Ernie Merrick told a post-match media conference his side's 2-1 win over Brisbane "meant nothing" after a sickening injury to marquee midfielder, Ronny Vargas.
The Venezuelan went for a challenge with Brisbane captain, Matt McKay in the 58th minute at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday when his left leg folded under his body and took the full weight as he crashed to the ground.
Team-mates immediately called to the bench as Vargas screamed in pain.
Play was held up for five minutes while he was treated on field before being stretchered off.
The 30-year-old is expected to undergo surgery for a suspected broken tibia and fibula and dislocated left ankle.
Coach, Ernie Merrick called the players to the sideline as Vargas was taken up the tunnel to encourage them to re-focus and to reorganise the midfield.
After the match, Merrick told reporters the win "means nothing really" - then sat silently for 10 seconds as he tried to compose himself before saying "Look, we played well in the first half".
Merrick fielded three more questions from journalists before asking "Can we call it quits, lads?" and cutting the media conference short.
Just before he did Merrick said the injury was one of the worst things he'd experienced "..especially with the way he'd just come over with his wife - settling in, a good lad," he said.
Vargas' immediate future is unclear and the star signing could be out for the rest of the season.
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| Sickening Injury: Ronald Vargas collapses on his left leg and ankle Image: Fox Sports |
