Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman left his side's goalless draw against Wales with a broken leg on Friday.
The Everton man was taken down by a strong challenge from Wales left-back Neil Taylor, who left his feet and made contact with Coleman's right leg as he followed through on an attempted cross in the 69th minute.
Coleman immediately waved for assistance and was stretchered off the pitch three minutes later after receiving attention from the medical staff. TV broadcaster RTE showed no replays of the tackle on the grounds of taste.
We'd like to send our best wishes to Seamus Coleman following his injury this evening. Get well soon, Seamus. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/kYwcPBAsC0
- FAIreland (@FAIreland) March 24, 2017
"It's a bad break. He's a fantastic player and character. It's a major blow for the lad, his club and us," Ireland manager Martin O'Neill told Sky Sports.
"Apparently it wasn't the best challenge in the world -- I haven't seen it. He's gone to hospital. I saw his reaction immediately and it didn't look good. He was holding is leg up and it didn't look good.
"We had a few things to overcome this week. We have a really great spirit. Seamus is a major blow -- at the end of it all the most important thing is Seamus' health."
O'Neill added: "It's been confirmed by our doctor that he has broken his leg. It's a real blow to him.
"He's having the season of a lifetime at club level and he's a big player for us, a great captain and a great character, so it's a big, big loss, a big loss to Everton, a big loss to us.
"But he'll fight back, I hope. That puts things in perspective, I suppose.''
Wales manager Chris Coleman says Taylor, who missed most of the 2011-12 season with a broken ankle, was "despondent in the dressing room."
"First and foremost, the most important thing is Seamus Coleman. We are told that it is not so good which we are sorry for," Coleman said.
"Neil Taylor is not really that type of player but it's a tough one for Seamus. Our thoughts are with him. I have not seen it again.
"Neil is in the dressing room, he's despondent. If he's got it wrong, he's had a serious injury himself. I have my fingers crossed for Seamus Coleman, he is the most important thing tonight."
Wales star Gareth Bale told Sky Sports: "Obviously we never wish that on anybody. I don't know how bad it is, but all of us wish him a speedy recovery."
Taylor was given a straight red card for the tackle.
Coleman, who has made 42 appearances for his country, has been a regular contributor for Everton this season, chipping in four goals and four assists for the seventh-placed Toffees this campaign.