A wild lunge which crocked Stephen Dawson could easily have snapped his leg and ended his career, the player claimed today.

Leyton Orient’s skipper was caught by Bristol Rovers' Carl Regan, who got a straight red card for the challenge on 35 minutes.

Dawson had to leave the field in agony. Today (Monday), there was relief that the damage was no worse than swelling and bleeding.

“The tackle was a leg-breaker,” said Dawson.

“You don’t expect that from a fellow professional. I go in hard, but with a challenge like that you lose respect for the man.

“It was one of those where you could be lucky to play football again.

“It’s sickening to see and I thank God my leg wasn’t planted on the ground.

“There was no apology either, so as far as I’m concerned he’s a low-life,” Dawson told Guardian Series Sport.