Elbow Attack: Claude Davis (Crystal Palace) on Roger Johnson (Cardiff)

Everyone’s favourite loudmouths Neil Warnock and Simon Jordan have once again found themselves at the centre of a war of words. This time taking on Cardiff FC after the Welsh club have been hurling accusations after Roger Johnson was hospitalised after the Bluebirds match at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

The Crystal Palace manager has publicly supported young Eagles defender Claude Davis, with both sides arguing that the video evidence supports their claims of either innocence or guilt.

By no means was the incident trivial.

With Cardiff looking to attack from a free-kick, Johnson, City’s centre-half, was caught in the throat by Davis’ elbow, leaving the number 12 struggling for breath on the pitch. The 25-year-old was left prostrate on the turf, spitting blood before being taken to a high-dependency unit at a London hospital.

Cardiff have since been found shouting from the rooftops for action against Davis, issuing a statement as follows: “We have now had the time to review the video footage of the incident where Roger Johnson was ‘elbowed’ in the throat by Claude Davis in our match at Crystal Palace. In our opinion, the challenge looks deliberate and malicious and could have more seriously endangered Roger Johnson’s well-being than hopefully is the case. We are now asking the Football Association to investigate as a matter of urgency.”

But the Palace manager and owner have not taken this lying down.

Warnock reacted by barking, “There was no arm movement to face at all… Claude didn’t elbow him. If anything, he ran into his arm.” And Simon Jordon backed his manager adding “[Cardiff's] statement is irresponsible and I also think it is outrageous.”

Footage of the elbow assault on Roger Johnson can be seen here.