Albion midfielder Richard Carpenter is facing a legal battle over a tackle which ended the career of former Reading player Chris Casper.

Casper, 26, confirmed today that he is taking Carpenter to court over the incident on Boxing Day 1999 when he broke his leg during a match against Carpenter's former club Cardiff City at Ninian Park.

The former England youth and under-21 international had to retire last year after a two-year battle to regain fitness.

The incident had a profound effect on Carpenter. Speaking last year, he said: "It was a complete accident.

"I know hand on my heart I didn't go in to hurt him but to win the ball. Unfortunately it happened and if I could turn the clock back I would.

"I apologised at the time and went to see him at the hospital, but I was turned away. It upset me and really worried me.

"You start scrutinising yourself in situations like that. I've had to deal with it myself and it has been hard.

"I know he's had to deal with the injury, but mentally it affects you. I am not the sort of person that can just brush something like that under the carpet."

Legal action, on the grounds that Carpenter committed a "reckless challenge" has been ongoing.

Casper said: "We need to stamp these sort of tackles out because there is no longer a place for it in the game."