Ex-Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland had to be treated by paramedics after a horror injury in a Sunday League match.
Ireland was lining up for a star-studded Wythenshawe Vets side in a cup final against South Liverpool Vets on Sunday.
Stephen Ireland for Manchester City
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Ireland featured 176 times for Man City between 2005 and 2010Credit: Getty
However, the match had to be halted in the first half following a strong challenge on the former Premier League player.
Footage of the tackle and its aftermath was posted on social media, which shows a defender lunging into Ireland, leaving him in a heap on the ground.
As the challenge is made, a sickening snap noise can be heard which suggests the ex-midfielder has suffered a serious injury.
Both sets of players appeared shocked by the horror tackle, with many seem putting their hands on their heads.
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The clip then shows an ambulance driving onto the pitch, with Ireland surrounded by his teammates, friends and family as he was treated by paramedics.
Ireland was then taken to hospital by ambulance, with the match being abandoned following the distressing injury.
The Manchester Evening News reports that the 39-year-old is doing as well as can be expected, while both teams will now discuss with the league over the next steps for their cup final.
Update from Ireland
Ireland and his wife, Jess, have since been keeping Wythenshawe Vets updated on his progress, which the club then shared on social media.
In a post on their Instagram page, the Manchester-based side shared a message from Jess, where she thanked the emergency services, both clubs and cup final hosts Warrington Rylands for their support.
It read: "Stephen is overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for the support following today’s incident in the Veterans Final.
An ambulance drove onto the pitch to treat Ireland in worrying scenes
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An ambulance drove onto the pitch to treat Ireland in worrying scenesCredit: TikTok / warringtonrylandsfan
Ireland made a total of 246 Premier League appearances for Man City, Aston Villa, Stoke and Newcastle
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Ireland made a total of 246 Premier League appearances for Man City, Aston Villa, Stoke and NewcastleCredit: Getty
"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.
"In true Stephen spirit: 'Superman will return'.
"We’re all behind you, Stephen. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery."
Who else plays for the Wythenshawe Vets?
Ireland, who spent five years at Man City, is one of a number former Premier League stars to turn out for Wythenshawe Vets.
The Greater Manchester over-35s side has made the headlines this season after recruiting the likes of Papiss Cisse, Antonio Valencia, Joleon Lescott and George Boyd to line up for them.
Papiss Cisse celebrates his second goal against Chelsea in 2012 at Stamford Bridge
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Papiss Cisse became a cult hero at Newcastle between 2012 and 2016, and now turns out for Wythenshawe Vets on SundaysCredit: Getty
Unsurprisingly, they have made light work of most games, with former Newcastle hero Cisse netting a double hat-trick in one match.
In fact, Cisse is even said to have scored a first-half hat-trick in Sunday's cup final before the match was abandoned.
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Wythenshawe Vets are top of the Cheshire Vets League and remain undefeated in their opening 10 league fixtures, boasting a six-point lead at the summit and a staggering 77 goal difference.
They are on course for a trophy-laden campaign too, having already won the Manchester FA Veterans cup beating East Manchester 9-2 in last month's final.