Grimsby Town boss David Artell said the "horrific" design of the goals used at Carlisle United contributed to keeper Jake Eastwood’s injury.
The visiting No1 was stretchered off after badly injuring his knee in the aftermath of Sam Lavelle’s opening goal in Saturday’s game at Brunton Park, which the Mariners won 3-2.
Artell, speaking in a club interview, said Eastwood had suffered damage to his patellar tendon and is facing a lengthy lay-off.
He admitted it was a “freak” accident, but also claimed the design of the goals in use at Brunton Park - and which are used on a "widespread" basis across the game - was responsible for the extent of the problem.
“It’s a bit of a freak accident but then the design of the goal is horrific,” the Grimsby head coach said.
“You can’t have that happening to [people] because of the design of the goals.
“And that is what it is – unequivocal. It sums up our luck at the moment with regard to injuries.”
United have been approached for comment. The Grimsby boss, speaking to the BBC, elaborated on his complaint and said: "You can't have such a sharp piece of metal sticking out right behind the posts.
"These goals are widely used but there's obviously a design flaw, because that can't happen.
"If it's any consolation it's his knee not his head. It could have been absolutely disastrous."
There is no suggestion the goals at Brunton Park or the same goals at other clubs are in any way outside EFL regulations.
Eastwood was hurt in the 11th minute as he fell into the net following Lavelle’s header from a Cameron Harper corner.
He needed lengthy treatment from both clubs’ medical teams before being carried off and taken to hospital.
The Mariners keeper has since publicly thanked both United and Grimsby’s staff for the way they helped him.
Artell, speaking today, said: “He had an operation yesterday on his knee.
Thank you to all of the medical teams for your help today @officialgtfc @officialcufc 🙌🏼☺️ https://t.co/9c9pVWiEfQ
— Jake Eastwood (@jeastwood_96) September 28, 2024
“It’s not particularly good news. We think he’s out for a fairly extended period of time with his patellar tendon.
“I went to see him at the hospital, and he’s in as good a spirits as you can be at this stage.
“He’ll come back. We’ve exchanged messages this morning, he’ll be at home for a couple of weeks, then we’ll get him back in and start his rehab.”
Grimsby brought on teenage substitute Seb Auton for his debut as the Mariners staged a late comeback to beat the Blues.
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