Tony Bellew left Soccer Aid viewers concerned as he was escorted off the Old Trafford pitch, seemingly unable to walk independently after sustaining a painful injury. The boxing legend was among the athletes, celebrities and internet stars to take part in the annual charity match.
However, the 42-year-old’s time on the pitch was unexpectedly cut short after he was replaced by Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez and gestured to medics for help. Although the nature of the injury has not been confirmed, Tony was struggling to walk off the pitch as he was assisted by the physio team. One worried fan simply remarked: “Poor Tony,” as another noted: “Tony has taken the knee already.”
A third viewer highlighted: “Bellew, not at all match fit for this game, is he?”
During the match, commentator Sam Matterface revealed he overheard Tony make a worrying comment to medics as he spoke about his injury and said the former boxing champ told them “something went bang and I heard it go”.
To which fellow commentator Jason Manford remarked: “That’s not good.”
This is a major blow for Tony, who was revealed to be already injured before Soccer Aid even began. According to coach, Harry Redknapp, the I’m A Celeb star hurt his groin during training.
Speaking on the Off Air podcast with Jane Garvey and Fi Glover, he said: “We give up our time, free of charge, and come and enjoy it to raise as much money as we can.”
Speaking on the podcast, the footballing legend continued: “Tony Bellew, ex-world champion, he’s just decided to boot a ball without even warming up and just tore his groin. He’s so tough he’ll probably play on with it.”
Tony was forced off immediately after Wayne Rooney opened the match by scoring an impressive goal for the England team in the fourth minute.
The ball dropped kindly to the former England captain inside the box, and he had the easy task of tapping the ball into an empty net.
The boxer’s left leg was already heavily strapped before the game started, it’s yet to be revealed why and how much more damage he suffered as a result of his participation in Soccer Aid.