‘ Roger Johnson ‘

A former Premier League footballer has lost a High Court damages claim against an experienced knee specialist over an alleged "surgical error". Former Cardiff City defender Roger Johnson brought a clinical negligence claim against Andrew Williams, accusing the surgeon of causing a "large defect" during an operation on his left knee in March 2017.

Now pursuing a career in coaching, Johnson claimed that following the procedure he suffered continued swelling and pain and did not fully recover. He alleged that Williams - a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who has worked with Premier League football clubs and Premiership rugby teams - was "negligent" by damaging his medial retinaculum, a protective fibrous capsule in the knee.


However, in a ruling published on Tuesday, Judge Jeremy Hyam QC said there was not enough evidence to conclude that the defect in Johnson's knee was caused by the surgeon. The judge said: "In summary, the evidence adduced by the claimant and his expert has not been sufficiently cogent or compelling to allow me to conclude on the balance of probabilities that the defendant caused a 3cm diameter defect to the claimant's medial retinaculum on 17 March 2017 in the course of the synovectomy procedure."

A former Premier League footballer has lost a High Court damages claim against an experienced knee specialist over an alleged "surgical error". Former Cardiff City defender Roger Johnson brought a clinical negligence claim against Andrew Williams, accusing the surgeon of causing a "large defect" during an operation on his left knee in March 2017.

Now pursuing a career in coaching, Johnson claimed that following the procedure he suffered continued swelling and pain and did not fully recover. He alleged that Williams - a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who has worked with Premier League football clubs and Premiership rugby teams - was "negligent" by damaging his medial retinaculum, a protective fibrous capsule in the knee.


However, in a ruling published on Tuesday, Judge Jeremy Hyam QC said there was not enough evidence to conclude that the defect in Johnson's knee was caused by the surgeon. The judge said: "In summary, the evidence adduced by the claimant and his expert has not been sufficiently cogent or compelling to allow me to conclude on the balance of probabilities that the defendant caused a 3cm diameter defect to the claimant's medial retinaculum on 17 March 2017 in the course of the synovectomy procedure."

At his peak RJ was superb for us. Honestly thought he’d go on to England caps.

Johnson, Loovens and Purse were probably the best CB options we ever had during my 50 odd years.

Strong, dominant, aggressive, with Loovens and Johnson being quite quick. Purse not so, but his know how got him out of bother without issues.

Johnson comes very close to my all time city XI. Was a bit like Sean Morrison, colossus at the back and a really threat in the opposition box too.

Johnson, Loovens and Purse were probably the best CB options we ever had during my 50 odd years.

Strong, dominant, aggressive, with Loovens and Johnson being quite quick. Purse not so, but his know how got him out of bother without issues.

Totally agree.

He's the assistant or under 23 manager for Bromley. Even got to see him play for them before he retired which was nice. Always will be my favourite Cardiff player.