Everton midfielder James McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury during Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to West Brom.Attempting to shoot, West Brom striker Salomon Rondon connected with McCarthy's leg instead of the ball.The 27-year-old Irish international suffered a double leg break, having only recently returned from a hamstring injury."It's a tibular and fibular fracture compounded," confirmed Everton boss Sam Allardyce. "A very nasty injury."He's paid a heavy price for his bravery and commitment. It's a big blow for him and us."It’s a loss to us from now until the end of the season, it happens in the game of football but not often that severe."It was our own fault and our own stupid play in that area, James recovered brilliantly to stop a goal but suffered because of it."Rondon, who must take no blame for the injury, was in tears on the pitch and had to be consoled by his manager Alan Pardew.He has since sent a touching message to McCarthy on Twitter.

Rondon's immediate reaction

Understandably, the television match director decided to freeze the replay so viewers were unable to see close-up footage of the horrific leg break.

Sky Sports did later show how Rondon reacted in the seconds after the moment of impact.

The referee attempted to allow play to go on but the 28-year-old Venezuelan striker chased after him in order to stop play.

Class response indeed.

Pardew consoled a tearful Rondon on the pitch and spoke to reporters about the traumatising moment after the final whistle.

"Salomon was traumatised because he probably heard a break or something, a noise that would have affected him, he's that kind of person," Pardew told Sky Sports.

"I wasn't sure if he was going to carry on but he got himself together after being affected and, fair play to him, he was the best player on the pitch today."