Former Manchester City and Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Ireland, 39, was hospitalised after suffering a serious injury during a Veterans Cup final on Sunday. The match between Wythenshawe Vets and South Liverpool over-35s at Warrington Rylands was abandoned in the first half following the incident.
Video footage on social media shows Ireland on the end of a heavy tackle before collapsing to the ground. An audible crack can be heard, leaving players from both teams visibly shocked. An ambulance drove onto the pitch to take Ireland to hospital.
Ireland's wife, Jess, expressed gratitude to emergency services, both clubs, and Warrington Rylands for their help. A statement from Wythenshawe Vets said: 'Stephen is overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for the support... In true Stephen spirit: Superman will return.'
Wythenshawe Vets, featuring former Premier League stars like Papiss Cisse, Joleon Lescott, and George Boyd, are top of the Cheshire Vets League with a 100% record and a goal difference of +77. They have already won the Manchester FA Veterans Cup and have been invited to face Conor McGregor's non-league side in Ireland.
