Former Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland was attended to by paramedics after appearing to suffer a horror injury during a match for Wythenshawe Vets. The cup final against South Liverpool veterans had to be halted following a tackle inside half-an-hour which saw an ambulance entering the field of play.
Footage has emerged on social media of Ireland on the receiving end of a robust tackle before being left in a heap. The video includes audio where a sickening snap can be heard with players on both sides left stunned, some with their heads in hands.
Statement from Wife and Club
Ireland has been the driving force behind the star-studded squad as he called on favours from his former teammates and friends, seeing the team become a viral hit. The extent of the injury remains unknown, but in a statement on the social media platform Instagram, the 39-year-old's wife thanked the emergency services, both clubs and cup final hosts Warrington Rylands for their support.
Wythenshawe Vets posted: 'Stephen is overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for the support following today's incident in the Veterans Final.'
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. A special thank you to the paramedics and ambulance team from Warrington Hospital for their swift and professional care.'
In true Stephen spirit: 'Superman will return.' We're all behind you, Stephen. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
Wythenshawe Vets' Remarkable Season
The Greater Manchester veterans side have been one of the stories of the season after a host of former Premier League and Football League players joined the Sunday league side. With the likes of Ireland, Papiss Cisse, Oumar Niasse, Joleon Lescott and George Boyd to name a few, they have been blowing teams away.
They are Cheshire Vets League league leaders and are unbeaten in their first 10 league games with a six-point lead at the top of the table with a whopping 77 goal difference.
This season has the potential to be a trophy-laden campaign having already won the Manchester FA Veterans cup beating East Manchester 9-2 in the final last month.
Future Plans
Due to their rise to prominence, they have been invited to play Conor McGregor's non-league side in Ireland. They are also due to fly out to play in the $1million winner-takes-all TST event in America at the end of May.
