Soccer Aid fans have expressed their concern after world-record sprinter Usain Bolt was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
Usain, who was captain of the World XI side, appeared to suffer a leg injury in the build-up to England’s fourth goal, scored by Jermaine Defoe.
After clutching his leg on the floor the eight-times gold medal was taken off by medics with his right leg in a splint. Usain, 37, had been playing at centre-back after starting the match up front.
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Writing on X, formerly Twitter, James Hayle wrote: “Usain bolt looks like he’s done his calf. Hope he us okay went off on a stretcher” while “Adam Salter added: “Hope Usain Bolt is ok. Lost the feed temporarily, but caught him going off on a stretcher. Wish him a speedy recovery.”
Bolt has been a regular fixture in the charity game in recent years. A huge football fan himself, he even spent time training with Australian club Central Coast Mariners before deciding his football future lay outside the professional game
Soccer Aid, which was set up to raise money for children around the world, sees two teams of celebrities and professional footballers go head to head in a charity match this year. Co-founder Robbie Williams is part of the management team for England this year along with Frank Lampard, Vicky McClure, Harry Redknapp and David Seaman.
Playing in the England team this year are former England footballer Jill Scott, TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, musician Tom Grennan, Dragons’ Den star Steven Bartlett, Olympian Sir Mo Farah and The Last Leg’s Alex Brooker among others. The Soccer Aid World XI FC team includes Olympic runner Usain Bolt, comedian Maisie Adam, radio presenter Roman Kemp, comedian Lee Mack and Love Island star Tommy Fury.
England have won five times since the games began in 2006 and their last victory came in 2018, while the Soccer Aid World XI FC have won the fixture seven times and are on a record five-year winning streak.