Former Manchester City star Stephen Ireland hospitalised after horror tackle in veterans cup final

Key facts

• Stephen Ireland, 39, suffered a first-half injury during the CVFL Premier Cup final on Sunday.
• The match between Wythenshawe Vets and South Liverpool was abandoned after the incident.
• An ambulance took approximately 30 minutes to reach the pitch at Warrington Rylands' Quickline Arena.
• Ireland was taken to hospital and is surrounded by family; his wife Jess thanked those who helped.
• Wythenshawe Vets' over-35s squad includes former Premier League players like Joleon Lescott, Emile Heskey, and Danny Drinkwater.
• The club posted 'Superman will return' in a statement wishing Ireland a full recovery.

A sickening collision stops play

An ambulance was called onto the pitch during Sunday's CVFL Premier Cup final between Wythenshawe Vets and South Liverpool after Stephen Ireland suffered a sickening first-half injury. With just under half an hour played, the 39-year-old was on the receiving end of a crunching studs-up challenge. Ireland was left in a heap on the ground, and play was immediately halted.

30-minute wait for medical help

According to a TikTok user who posted footage of the incident, it took around 30 minutes for an ambulance to arrive at the Quickline Arena, home of Warrington Rylands. The former Republic of Ireland international was surrounded by his friends and family as he received treatment on the pitch before being taken to hospital. The match was subsequently abandoned.

Family and club express gratitude

In a statement on Instagram, Ireland's wife Jess wrote: '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.' She added: '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.' Wythenshawe Vets also posted an update, saying: 'Stephen is overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for the support following today’s incident in the Veterans Finals. A special thank you to the paramedics and ambulance team from Warrington Hospital for their swift and professional care.'

A stacked veterans squad

Wythenshawe Vets have gone viral for their over-35s squad, which this season includes a host of former Premier League stars. Alongside Ireland are Joleon Lescott, Nedum Onuoha, Emile Heskey, Papiss Cisse, Maynor Figueroa, George Boyd, and Oumar Niasse. Danny Drinkwater, a Premier League title winner with Leicester City, is also signed on, while former Manchester United defender Antonio Valencia has featured in the blue and white.

'Superman will return'

The club ended their update with a rallying cry: 'In true Stephen spirit: "Superman will return." We’re all behind you, Stephen. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.' Ireland, who played for Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Stoke City during his 13-year professional career, now faces an uncertain recovery period. His wife Jess said the family will keep the club updated on his condition.

The bottom line

• Stephen Ireland was seriously injured in a veterans cup final after a studs-up challenge.
• The match was abandoned, and an ambulance took 30 minutes to arrive.
• Ireland's wife and the club have publicly thanked those who provided care.
• Wythenshawe Vets' squad features numerous former Premier League players.
• The club has expressed confidence in Ireland's recovery with the phrase 'Superman will return'.