Gary Lineker
Lineker paid tribute to Michail Antonio on Match of the Day
Gary Lineker sent his well wishes to Michail Antonio live on Match of the Day following news of his horror car crash.
The West Ham United and Jamaica striker was rescued after crashing his Ferrari in Essex on Saturday. Firefighters spent 45 minutes getting Antonio free, while he was then airlifted to hospital for treatment on his injuries.
The Hammers have since confirmed that the 34-year-old is “stable” after his ordeal, while his ex-wife Debbie has rushed from Manchester to be at his bedside. Amid the news, Lineker made sure to pay tribute to Antonio at the start of Saturday’s Match of the Day.
Speaking right at the beginning of the programme, he said: "Before we get to our first game, we would like to send our best wishes to West Ham's Michail Antonio, who is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon. Here’s hoping for a full and speedy recovery.”
[
Police issue public appeal after Michail Antonio horror crash details emerge](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-michail-antonio-car-crash-34270649)
Rumours of Antonio’s smash began to circulate on Saturday morning, before West Ham confirmed the incident with a statement. It read: "West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time. The Club will issue an update in due course."
The Hammers then followed that up with a fresh update revealing Antonio’s hospitalisation and current condition. They added: "West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area.
"Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital. At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family. The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course."
Michail Antonio in action for West Ham ( Image: Getty Images)
Send your messages of support for Michail Antonio using the comments section
The updates triggered a number of kind messages from the Hammers’ Premier League rivals. The Jamaican FA have also offered their own update, while boss Steve McClaren had some kind words for the 21-capped forward.
He said: “On behalf of the entire group of players, support staff and technical staff, I would like to wish Michail a speedy recovery. Our thoughts, and prayers are with him at this time.”
Antonio’s current team West Ham will be in action on Monday evening as they take on Wolves at the London Stadium.
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.