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LONDON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his comments about Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor's tackle that broke striker Eduardo da Silva's left leg on Saturday were "excessive".
Interviewed shortly after witnessing the sickening injury to the Croatia international a furious Wenger initially said Taylor, who was sent off, "should never play football again".
However, in a statement posted later on the Premier League club's Web site (www.arsenal.com) the Frenchman backtracked.
"It was a highly emotional afternoon and we were all shocked by the injury to Eduardo," said Wenger.
"On reflection, I feel that my comments about Martin Taylor were excessive. I said what I did immediately after the game, in the heat of the moment."
Arsenal dropped two points in the title race after James McFadden struck a penalty five minutes into stoppage time to give Birmingham a 2-2 draw.
Brazil-born Eduardo was treated on the pitch for nearly 10 minutes and carried off on a stretcher using an oxygen mask. He was taken straight to hospital.
Players from both sides held their heads in their hands with many visibly upset by what they had seen.
Taylor was said to be "distraught" over the injury to Eduardo, his manager Alex McLeish said.
