Captain of ex-Premier League all-stars team, who regularly thrashes part-timers in non-league, suffers horrific injury, leaving his wife shocked
Former Premier League star Stephen Ireland suffered a horror injury in which his leg appeared to audibly break while playing for his non-league all-stars team Wythenshawe Vets on Sunday.
The star-studded club has gone viral in recent months after building a retired squad with more than 1,800 top appearances and stunning the ninth tier.
But ex-Manchester City star Ireland could not complete the team’s cup final against South Liverpool Vets after being caught in a crunching tackle that brought the match to a halt.
Footage of the tackle is believed to have been shared on social media, with players from both teams looking shocked in the aftermath of the collision.
An ambulance was then brought onto the pitch during the first-half break and Ireland were taken to hospital.
In light of the distressing incident, the match was canceled and according to the Manchester Evening News, both teams are discussing the next steps for replaying the final.
Former Manchester City star Stephen Ireland suffered a horror injury while on duty for his non-league side Wythenshawe Vets
His wife Jess shared a statement through the club praising the quick response of emergency services
The wife of Jess, 39, took to Instagram to update fans on Ireland’s plight and praised the quick response of emergency services during a ‘truly disturbing and shocking moment’.
“Stephen is overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for the support following today’s incident in the Veterans Finals,” a statement from the team said.
His wife Jess said: ‘Thank you to everyone at today’s match who helped in any way. It was a very disturbing and shocking moment, but the care and unity shown made a huge difference.
‘We are so grateful not only to the Wythenshawe FC fans, but also to the South Liverpool Vets and everyone at Warrington Rylands – you were all outstanding.
“In the true spirit of Stephen, ‘Superman will return’.”
“We’re all behind you, Stephen. I wish you a full and speedy recovery.”
Ireland are just one of many Premier League cult heroes who regularly play for the non-league side, with former Chelsea and Leicester City star Danny Drinkwater and Newcastle hero Papiss Cisse among the household names.
Ravel Morrison, Danny Simpson, Phil Bardsley, Dale Stephens, Glenn Whelan, Joleon Lescott, Danny Webber, Maynor Figueroa, Emile Heskey and George Boyd have also appeared for the club.
In April, the club also added former Premier League winner and ex-Manchester United star Antonio Valencia to their mix, with Olympic record breaker Usain Bolt also interested in a call-up.
When asked by talkSPORT if he would like to join the club, Bolt replied: ‘Listen, I’m ready. I’m done. If I get in shape, I’ll be good to go.”