• [Irish Mirror Icon]
• Sport
• Soccer
• Stephen Ireland

Stephen Ireland suffers horror injury with his wife left shaken

Stephen Ireland suffered a serious injury and was taken to hospital by ambulance

[Stephen Ireland]

View 2 Images

Stephen Ireland(Image: Getty Images)

Stephen Ireland required urgent medical attention after sustaining what appeared to be a serious injury while playing for Wythenshawe Vets. The cup final against South Liverpool veterans was suspended within the opening half-hour following a challenge that saw an ambulance driving onto the pitch.

Social media footage has surfaced showing the former Ireland international being on the wrong end of a heavy tackle, leaving him collapsed on the ground. The clip captures audio of a disturbing cracking sound, with players from both sides visibly shocked, several holding their heads in disbelief.

Ireland, who turned out 176 times for Manchester City, has been the catalyst behind assembling the impressive squad, enlisting former teammates and acquaintances to create a team that has captured widespread attention online. It is understood that Ireland was transported to hospital by ambulance, with the fixture abandoned as both teams and the League consider how to proceed.

Ireland and his wife, Jess, are providing the club with ongoing updates, with further information to follow when suitable, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Taking to Instagram, the 39-year-old's wife expressed gratitude to the emergency services, both clubs and cup final hosts Warrington Rylands for their assistance. A statement shared via Wythenshawe Vets read: "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.

[An ambulance drove onto the pitch after Stephen Ireland's horror injury.]

View 2 Images

An ambulance drove onto the pitch after Stephen Ireland's horror injury(Image: warringtonrylandsfan/TikTok)

"In true Stephen spirit: "Superman will return." We're all behind you, Stephen. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery."

The Greater Manchester veterans outfit have captured attention throughout the season after numerous ex-Premier League and Football League stars joined the Sunday league club. With notable names including Ireland, Papiss Cisse, Oumar Niasse, Joleon Lescott and George Boyd among others, they've been dominating opposition sides.

Currently sitting atop the Cheshire Vets League standings, they remain undefeated through their opening 10 league fixtures, holding a six-point advantage with an impressive 77 goal difference.

The campaign promises to deliver silverware, having already secured the Manchester FA Veterans cup with a commanding 9-2 victory over East Manchester in last month's final.

Their growing reputation has earned them an invitation to face Conor McGregor's non-league outfit on Irish soil. The club are also set to jet off to the United States at the end of May to compete in the $1million winner-takes-all TST tournament.

Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond.

[Irish Mirror Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Irish Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.