Former professional boxer Tony Bellew was forced to withdraw from the Soccer Aid charity match after sustaining a painful-sounding injury just five minutes into the game.
The athlete appeared to be in significant discomfort, bringing his appearance at Old Trafford to a premature end.
Bellew, 42, shielded his face with his hands as he slowly left the field and headed down the tunnel, clearly disappointed by his early exit.
Physiotherapists attended to the injured player, who was seen wincing in discomfort on the sideline after being substituted.
It was noted that Bellew`s left leg was already significantly strapped before the charity game commenced.
According to ITV commentator Sam Matterface, Bellew told reporters near the pitch, “I heard it go.”
Matterface added, “That can`t be good.”
Harry Redknapp, the manager for the Rest of the World team Bellew was playing for, had revealed before kick-off with concern that Bellew had previously torn his groin during training.
Redknapp commented: “Tony Bellew, the ex-world champion, just decided to boot a ball without even warming up and tore his groin. He`s so tough he`ll probably play on with it.”
It seems the former world cruiserweight champion may have aggravated the injury by attempting to participate in the charity match.
Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez came on to replace the injured Bellew.
Bellew`s departure occurred immediately after Wayne Rooney scored the opening goal in the fourth minute.
The ball kindly dropped to the former England captain within the penalty box, allowing him an easy finish into an empty net.
