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FIFA opens proceedings over Taylor tackle on Seamus Coleman - report

FIFA has opened proceedings against Neil Taylor following the Wales player's challenge on Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman, Press Association Sport has reported.

Everton's Coleman needed surgery on a broken tibia and fibula after he was injured in the 69th minute of Friday's World Cup qualifying match in Dublin, which finished in a goalless draw.

Coleman faces months on the sidelines and Taylor, who will definitely miss Wales' next qualifier away to Serbia in June, faces the prospect of having his automatic one-match ban extended.

Earlier, Everton defender Ronald Koeman said Coleman's strength of character would be an advantage as he bids to overcome his injury.

"It's a big, big blow for the player and a big, big blow for the club,'' Koeman told the club's official website.

"It takes time for everybody to come to terms with something like this and, of course, that is felt most deeply by Seamus himself.

"In all my years in football, Seamus is one of the best professionals I've ever worked with at any club.

"His dedication to the game, his attitude and motivation are always where they should be and that's 100 percent, and he's like that in training every day as well as in games.

"That mentality will really be helpful to him now. That strength of character will be a big, big thing."

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