Martin Tyler forced to apologise after saying Ukraine ace Heorhiy Bushchan would ‘soldier on’ after injury in Wales game

MARTIN TYLER apologised for saying injured Ukraine keeper Heorhiy Bushchan would have to ‘soldier on’.

But saying sorry so swiftly failed to save the Sky Sports commentator from unforgiving comments on social media during Wales’ historic 1-0 win.

The Dragons reached the World Cup finals for the first time in 64 years despite many neutrals backing Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion of its neighbouring country.

Fans cut Tyler little slack after his poor choice of words when Bushchan was floored by an ankle injury.

It’s the type of slip many pundits and fans must have made without even noticing since the war started in February.

But although Tyler was sharp enough to realise and apologise, he was instantly criticised on Twitter.

One fan posted: “Martin Tyler just said the Ukrainian goalkeeper will ‘soldier on’ and promptly apologised for saying that. He’s genuinely just awful. #WALUKR.”

Another said: “No way Martin Tyler just said the Ukrainian keeper will soldier on.”

One even jibed: “Wow. Retire.”

But others defended Tyler – arguing he had just used an innocent ‘figure of speech’.

These opinions included: “Strange. What he said is an idiomatic expression” and “Some people are offended by anything ffs”.

Some followers also suggested it was Tyler who initiated the apology – so he ‘wasn’t forced’ to do it.

One said: “It’s a figure of speech. Nothing wrong with it. Leave the poor man alone.”

Another posted: “Wasn’t forced. He thought it was a good idea.”