A night of charity football at Birmingham City's St. Andrew's stadium was thrown into turmoil on Saturday when former Liverpool and Real Madrid defender Steve Finnan collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent medical attention.
The 48-year-old Irish international, a Champions League winner with Liverpool in 2005, was playing in a legends match when he suddenly fell ill, bringing the game to an immediate and worrying halt.
Medical staff rushed onto the field to attend to Finnan, who received treatment for several tense minutes before being carefully stretchered off. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for further assessment and care.
A Career of Glory and Grit
Finnan enjoyed a storied professional career, most notably his time at Liverpool where he was an integral part of Rafael Benitez's squad that achieved the legendary 'Miracle of Istanbul' in 2005. The full-back played the entire match as Liverpool came from 3-0 down to defeat AC Milan on penalties and lift the European Cup.
His career also included successful spells at Fulham, where he was named in the PFA Team of the Year, and a later move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, making him one of the few players to represent both historic clubs.
Community Spirit Overshadowed
The charity match was intended to be a joyous occasion, bringing together former professionals to raise funds for good causes. The sudden turn of events cast a pall over the evening, with players and spectators alike visibly concerned for the popular former star's wellbeing.
Finnan's collapse serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands placed on athletes, even in charity events, and the unpredictable nature of health. The football community now waits anxiously for positive news on the recovery of one of its most respected figures.
