Injured Tony Bellew helped off pitch at Soccer Aid as worrying message emerges
The former boxing world champion looked devastated as he limped off moments into the match at Old Trafford
There was concern for Bellew as he was helped off the pitch
Tony Bellew had to be helped off the pitch as he was forced off with a nasty looking injury just moments into Soccer Aid at Old Trafford.
The former boxing world champion was named in the starting lineup for the World XI as they took on England in the annual charity match, but his evening was cut short as he limped off after six minutes on the field. Bellew looked in a great deal of discomfort as he was helped off the pitch, having signalled for help from his side's physio team.
It is unclear whether Bellew was injured in a tackle or not, but he struggled to walk as he left the field at the Theatre of Dreams.
However, it was later revealed by commentator Sam Matterface that the Liverpudlian had reportedly told the medical team that "something went bang and I heard it go".
On hearing the news, co-commentator Jason Manford added: "That's not good".
Ahead of the match, Harry Redknapp had given a concerning injury update about Bellew, saying he had suffered a groin injury in training.
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"We give up our time, free of charge, and come and enjoy it to raise as much money as we can," Redknapp told Jane Garvey and Fi Glover on the Off Air podcast.
"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."
After his early departure, Bellew was replaced by Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez.
It came moments after Wayne Rooney opened the scoring for England on his return to Old Trafford, with the Manchester United legend pouncing on a loose ball to turn it past former teammate Edwin van der Sar.
It was the fastest ever goal in Soccer Aid history, coming after just four minutes.
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Despite Bellew being born in Liverpool, he was representing the World XI for the second year running - with the exact reason still unclear.
His teammates this year include football legends Rivaldo, David Trezeguet and Nemanja Vidic, as well as the likes of Asim Chaudhry, Richard Gadd and Maisie Adam.
They are up against an England side containing ex-professionals Paul Scholes, Jack Wilshere and Rooney, as well as famous faces like Louis Tomlinson, Bella Ramsey and Alex Brooker.
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