Blackpool star Adam in dock after his tackle leaves Tottenham winger Bale on crutches

By LEO SPALL FOR MAILONLINE
Updated: 20:17 EST, 7 May 2011

Gareth Bale left White Hart Lane on crutches last night after Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam’s horror challenge on the £50million-rated Tottenham midfielder injured the Welshman’s left ankle.

The Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year wore a protective boot and will have scans to establish the extent of the damage tomorrow, but his season appears to have been ended prematurely, with serious ligament damage feared.

Deep impact: Adam's (right) challenge on Bale eventually saw the Tottenham winger stretchered off the field

Adam appeared to land his full weight on Bale with a late challenge during the dramatic 1-1 draw — and the challenge is likely to be scrutinised by the FA, even though referee Lee Probert did not consider the tackle worthy of even a free-kick.

‘It looked a bad challenge,’ said Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.

‘Gareth has done his ankle and it looks quite bad.

‘We are not sure whether he has injured his ligament or something else. They are checking up on him but it is quite swollen. They will scan him and see how it is.’

Something to shout about: Bale reacts after Adam's tackle floored the midfielder

The incident sparked an exchange between former England manager Kevin Keegan, covering the match as a television pundit, and Blackpool manager Ian Holloway.

‘It’s a terrible, terrible tackle. I think he meant it,’ said Keegan.

‘He should have been sent off.’

Holloway responded: ‘I’m disappointed that he has said that but he is paid for it and entitled to his opinion.’

Adam has been booked 11 times this season and any ban would be a serious blow to relegation-threatened Blackpool, who sit above the bottom three on goal difference.

The Scot missed one penalty and scored another before Jermain Defoe’s late equaliser and has been the standout player for Holloway’s side this season.

Bale has been just as important for Tottenham but is now a major doubt for their game at Manchester City.That is Spurs’ last chance to put real pressure on Roberto Mancini’s side in the race for fourth place after results left City with a six-point advantage.