Former Premier League star Stephen Ireland suffered a horror injury during which his leg appeared to audibly snap while turning out for his team of non-league all-stars Wythenshawe Vets on Sunday.
The star-studded club has gone viral in recent months after building a retiree side with over 1,800 top-flight appearances to stun the ninth tier.
But ex-Manchester City star Ireland was unable to complete the team’s cup final against South Liverpool Vets after getting caught up in a crunching tackle which brought the game 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 clash.
An ambulance was then brought onto the pitch during the first-half pause, with Ireland then taken to hospital.
In light of the distressing incident, the match was called off, and as per Manchester Evening News, both teams are in discussion over the next steps for replaying the final.
Former Manchester City star Stephen Ireland suffered a horror injury on duty for his non-league side Wythenshawe Vets
His wife Jess shared a statement via the club praising the fast response of emergency services
Taking to Instagram to update fans on Ireland’s condition, the 39-year-old’s wife Jess praised the quick response from the emergency services during a ‘really upsetting and shocking moment’.
‘Stephen is overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for the support following today’s incident in the Veterans Final,’ a statement from the team read.
‘His wife Jess shared: “Thank you to everyone at today’s game who helped in any way. It was a really upsetting 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 South Liverpool Vets and everyone at Warrington Rylands: you were all outstanding.
‘”In true Stephen spirit: ‘Superman will return’.”
‘We’re all behind you, Stephen. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.’
Ireland is just one of a number of Premier League cult heroes to regularly turn out for the non-league side, with former Chelsea and Leicester City star Danny Drinkwater and Newcastle hero Papiss Cisse among the well-known names.
Ravel Morrison, Danny Simpson, Phil Bardsley, Dale Stephens, Glenn Whelan, Joleon Lescott, Danny Webber, Maynor Figueroa, Emile Heskey and George Boyd have also turned out 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 join the club, Bolt responded: ‘Listen, I’m ready. I’m ready. If I get into some shape, I’m ready to go.’
