Former Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland was taken to hospital after suffering a severe leg injury during a veterans cup final on Sunday. The match between Wythenshawe Vets and South Liverpool Vets was abandoned following a tackle in the first half that left the 39-year-old in visible distress.
Footage shared on social media captured the moment of the tackle, with a sickening snap audible. Players from both sides were visibly shocked, with some covering their faces. Paramedics attended to Ireland on the pitch before an ambulance transported him to hospital.
Ireland's wife, Jess, released a statement via Wythenshawe Vets expressing gratitude to the emergency services, both clubs, and cup final hosts Warrington Rylands. She said: '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.' The statement added: 'In true Stephen spirit: “Superman will return.”'
Ireland has been a key figure for Wythenshawe Vets, a star-studded Sunday league side featuring former Premier League players such as Papiss Cisse, Joleon Lescott, and George Boyd. The team are unbeaten in their first 10 league games and recently won the Manchester FA Veterans Cup.
The club said Ireland is 'doing as well as can be expected' and is keeping them updated on his recovery. The match abandonment and next steps will be decided by both teams and the league.
