West Ham to walk out in Michail Antonio shirts after Hammers star’s terrifying car crash and vow to raise money for NHS
WEST HAM players will pay tribute to team-mate Michail Antonio before the match with Wolves after his terrifying car crash.
The Hammers host Gary O’Neil’s side tonight at the London Stadium, just two days after the horrible incident.
Antonio, 34, had a miraculous escape as he had to be cut free from his £260,000 Ferrari FF which was ripped apart when it hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday.
The versatile forward was trapped for almost an hour in the mangled wreckage before being airlifted from the scene.
Last night the Jamaica international was recovering from surgery on a lower limb fracture in a London hospital.
The incident left the entire Premier League in a state of shock, especially the West Ham family.
That is why the players will warm-up in special “Antonio 9” shirts, as well as walking out in tops adorning his name.
The East Londoners will then auction off the walk-out tops with each one signed by every member of the squad, including Antonio.
Every match-worn shirt from the Wolves fixture will also be auctioned, each signed by the respective player.
All proceeds from the auction will be split between the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity.
The club also confirmed that all proceeds will be matched by the board.
West Ham announced: “West Ham United’s players will show their support for teammate Michail Antonio at London Stadium on Monday evening, following his road traffic accident on Saturday.
“The Hammers striker underwent surgery on a lower limb fracture on Sunday, and is currently recovering in hospital. He remains in everyone’s thoughts as he continues his rehabilitation.
“Everyone at the Club would like to reiterate their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency services, air ambulance staff and the NHS for the incredible support given to Michail in the wake of the accident.”
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.