A Premier League legend had their ‘leg snapped’ in a horror tackle while playing Sunday league football as an ambulance was called onto the pitch and his wife was left in tears
09:08, 04 May 2026Updated 09:42, 04 May 2026
An ambulance was called onto the pitch after Stephen Ireland suffered a horror injury
A former Premier League legend had their ‘leg snapped’ in a horror tackle while playing Sunday league football as an ambulance was called onto the pitch.
Ex-Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland was playing for the viral Wythenshawe Vets in a cup final against South Liverpool veterans on Sunday. But the game involving multiple former Premier League stars had to be halted following a tackle on Ireland that required an ambulance to be called onto the pitch to tend to the injured star.
Footage of the tackle and the aftermath was posted on social media, showing a defender flying in for a heavy challenge on Ireland and making contact with the midfielder, which sounded like a gunshot, leaving Ireland in a heap on the floor.
Stephen Ireland played 176 times for City(Image: PA)
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The video then shows an ambulance arriving on the pitch as players and Ireland’s friends and family stand around him while he receives treatment.
Ireland, who made 176 appearances for City, has been central to the success of the star-studded team. The extent of his injuries is currently unknown. The MEN reports that Ireland, who is doing as well as can be expected, was taken to hospital by ambulance and the match was abandoned with both teams and the League to decide the next steps.
Ireland and his wife, Jess, are keeping the club up to date with further updates to come when appropriate.
Ireland was on the end of a heavy tackle(Image: TikTok)
A statement by Wythenshawe Vets said: “Stephen is overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for the support following today’s incident in the Veterans Final.
WARNING: TACKLE FOOTAGE BELOW
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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.
Ireland plays for the star-studded Wythenshawe Vets team(Image: ZENPIX LTD)
“In true Stephen spirit: “Superman will return.” We’re all behind you, Stephen. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.”
The Greater Manchester veterans team have been one of the stories of the season with former Premier League stars putting their boots back on to play Sunday league football.
The likes of Papiss Cisse, Marc Albrighton, Danny Drinkwater, Maynor Figueroa, Joleon Lescott, Nedum Onuoha, Emile Heskey and Antonio Valencia have all turned out for the team this season.
Top of the Cheshire Veterans Football League Premier Division, Wythenshawe have won all 10 of their league games with a goal difference of 77. They also won the Manchester FA Veterans Cup, beating East Manchester 9-2 last month.
