Gabriel tackle: Watford striker Troy Deeney says Arsenal defender's lunge 'could have broken his leg'

But the forward added that the defender was quick to apologise

Gabriel's tackle on Troy Deeney which went unpunished (Getty Images)

Watford striker Troy Deeney has spoken about Arsenal defender Gabriel's horror tackle on him during Watford's 2-1 FA Cup sixth-round win over Arsenal on Sunday

Deeney says the tackle, which went unpunished, could have broken his leg, but he did add that Gabriel was quick to offer his apologies after the incident.

"I was unhappy with that – I could have gone through him as well and I tried my best to keep the studs down and to the letter of the law," Deeney told reporters.

"But he came over the top. I don't think he was intentionally going to do me, but fair play he came and apologised.

"I was just a bit frustrated at the initial moment because they are the ones that can break legs. Thankfully I am a big lad and I rode the tackle.

"We are men at the end of the day. We shake hands and carry on until the next game. Crack on."