Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle believes that the criticism targeted at Kevin Davies after injuring Manchester United's Tom Cleverley is "over the top".
The striker made a tackle on the midfielder during the Premier League champions' 5-0 thrashing of the Trotters at the Reebok Stadium last Saturday.
The youngster is facing a month on the sidelines due to the tackle, for which the 34-year-old frontman has apologised.
"To be honest I don't know what there was to sort out," Coyle told Sky Sports News. "Kevin Davies made a challenge, it was a free kick, there was no doubt about it.
"He certainly never went in with any malice to hurt Tom Cleverley, who he's wished a speedy recovery. There was no intent from Kevin to try and hurt the lad.
"What he's had to deal with for me has been well over the top."
Meanwhile, Bolton hope to overcome their previous defeat with a clash against Norwich City on Saturday.
Danielle Joynson
