Goalkeeper Mark Birighitti has accepted an apology from Shane Smeltz but believes the Sydney FC striker left “a stray boot in” that caused the collision which left the Jets' keeper with teeth missing and needing 30 stitches in his mouth.
Smeltz was cleared of any potential disciplinary action yesterday after referee Peter Green confirmed he had seen the collision during Sydney's 1-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday, and had deemed it an accident.
Birighitti has begun root canal treatment after being struck by Smeltz's boot as the pair chased a pass from Brandon O'Neill, and said the two had discussed it since.
Read more at DailyTelegraph.com.au
