Ipswich Town midfielder Luke Hyam says he was ‘distraught’ after his tackle left Brentford midfielder Alan Judge with a broken leg in the early stages of this afternoon’s 3-1 home defeat at Portman Road.

Hyam was booked for that ball-winning, but ultimately reckless third minute challenge and Judge, whose standing foot had been unfortunately planted, was eventually stretchered off after a 10-minute delay.

Brentford’s players, Alan McCormack and Ryan Woods in particular, then targeted Hyam for 40 minutes before he eventually reacted to an equally reckless lunge from Woods in first-half stoppage-time to get shown a second yellow card.

“There was nothing malicious in the tackle and I hope Alan recovers quickly,” Hyam told the club website. “I’ve been out injured for a year myself and the last thing I want to see is a fellow pro getting injured like that. I would never wish that on anyone.

“I feel distraught over it. It was distressing to see and definitely affected me. My head had gone.

“I know the Brentford lads were getting into me but I should never have reacted the way I did to get sent off, which was obviously disappointing on my part.

“My thoughts are with Alan though. I’d like to contact him in a day or so and just give him my best and say how sorry I am that he has got injured like that. I just hope he’s back playing as soon as possible.”

Brentford confirmed that Judge, who had hoped to make the Republic of Ireland squad for this summer’s European Championships, had broken his leg in a statement. It read: “During today’s Sky Bet Championship game against Ipswich Town, Alan Judge sustained a fracture injury to his lower leg.

“The injury was assessed and immobilised locally and Alan has now been transferred to a London hospital where he will managed by the leading lower limb consultant in the country.

“The nature of his management and long-term prognosis cannot be speculated on at this time, however it should be stated that a full recovery is not in question.

“Alan and his family will receive our fullest support and further comment will be provided as we’re able to over the coming days.”