Everton captain Seamus Coleman was forced off early against Southampton
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Sport
12:35, 18 May 2025
Seamus Coleman of Everton goes off for Ashley Young of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Southampton FC at Goodison Park on May 18, 2025
Seamus Coleman bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park after an early injury appeared to force him off against Southampton.
The club captain, who had earned a huge roar when it was announced he would start his first game since Boxing Day, was heavily involved in the early minutes. The 36-year-old burst forward to win a corner and quickly settled into the pace of the game.
But 15 minutes in he signalled to the Everton bench that he had an issue and Ashley Young began to warm-up. When the fourth official held the number 23 aloft moments later, Coleman jogged to Jordan Pickford to hand him the captain’s armband.
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The talismanic figure then pulled at his club badge and fist pumped at the fans in the Gwladys Street before walking off to a massive reception. He was replaced by Young, who is set to leave the club in the summer.
Speaking on TNT’s live coverage, Coleman’s former teammate Phil Jagielka said: "Seamus Coleman will be devastated. I don't know if he landed awkwardly and he's been feeling it every time.
"He's probably made one of the toughest decisions he's had to make in his career to cut his afternoon short. He knows what he means to these Evertonians and he'd have liked to have a round of applause, but I imagine later in the game."