Hearts striker Nade shocked by Craigan KO

BARRY ANDERSON
CHRISTIAN NADE today revealed his anxiety after accidentally knocking Motherwell captain Stephen Craigan unconscious last night.
The Frenchman likened the incident to Chelsea's John Terry being knocked out by Abou Diaby of Arsenal in the 2007 English League Cup final.

Nade visited Craigan in hospital last night after the defender's head collided with his shoulder during Hearts' 2-1 victory at Tynecastle. Craigan was unconscious for a few moments from the impact before being stretchered from the field, and Nade admitted he thought he had done the Northern Irishman serious damage.

The striker said he wanted to leave the field at that point but instead he remained in place to help Hearts to a crucial victory, which maintained their five-point cushion in third place in the SPL.

"After the shock of seeing Craigan hurt I was lost, I didn't know where I was," Nade told the Evening News.

"He couldn't move so I was like, 'what have I done?' I wanted to leave the pitch and go home at that time.

"It was a real shock. My shoulder hit his head and he was out cold. I was scared, really scared and I hope he is okay. I think he will be, that's why I went to the hospital.

"He couldn't move, it was like watching John Terry when he got the kick from the Arsenal player. When I saw him open his eyes and begin to talk I felt a little bit better. I tried to get his telephone number after the game but I couldn't get it, so I found out he had gone to hospital and I went to see him. I will give him a call later as well."

Nade became a target for abuse by Motherwell fans after the collision. He said he could understand their frustrations but was not perturbed by the criticism.

"I can understand the Motherwell fans but I don't care. I'm not bothered what they say. This is football. Sometimes there are accidents like this and last night it was me who was involved. Maybe one day it will be against me."

Hearts won the match with goals from Andy Driver and Ruben Palazuelos to remain clear favourites for a third-place finish. Stephen Hughes equalised Driver's opener with 14 minutes remaining but Palazuelos struck the winner in stoppage time.

Taken from the Scotsman