Lower league players see the chance to impress, and it is not uncommon for injuries to happen.
Joey Barton is going to miss the start of the new season because of an injury at Brunton Park on Saturday, but Carlisle United today claimed that modern 'bladed' boots are to blame for the injury to Newcastle's £5.8 million midfielder ... NOT a wild tackle.
Carlisle Defend Player Over Barton Injury
Barton yesterday had surgery on the broken metatarsal he suffered in the second half against the Blues on Saturday.
Both United boss Neil McDonald and physio Neil Dalton have pointed out that the injury did not come from a tackle by a Carlisle player.
McDonald told News & Star Sport: "It happened down the left hand side and when the lad turned round our first thought was that he had pulled a hamstring.
"Dolly said it was the way he landed - it certainly wasn't a tackle or anything to do with the pitch, which was excellent.
"In my opinion these new boots have a lot to answer for - maybe there is just not enough protection on them.
"I do feel that is one of the reasons that we're seeing more of this kind of injury, but it's the players' decision to wear them.
"If it was up to me, they wouldn't be allowed."