West Ham players showed their support for injured teammate Michail Antonio at their Premier League home win against Wolverhampton, two days after a car crash.
The 34-year-old Jamaica international is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery on what West Ham described as a “lower limb fracture.”
He was involved in a one-car incident outside London on Sunday (AEDT), after which he was airlifted to hospital and kept under close supervision.
READ MORE: Indian media turns on skipper amid rift with teammate
READ MORE: He’s the hottest name in Aussie sport. Bosses want us to cool it
READ MORE: ‘Comfort zone’ call behind Origin star’s shock defection
Antonio was trapped in the vehicle roughly 45 minutes as fire crews attempted to remove him from his car. He wished the team well by video before the match.
West Ham United players wearing tops in support of Michail Antonio. West Ham United FC via Getty Ima
The players warmed up in “Antonio 9” jerseys as they walked onto the pitch.
The club will put the walk-out tops up for auction along with every match jersey worn against Wolves, with the proceeds going to medical charities and matched by the board.
West Ham fans stood in London Stadium and applauded for Antonio in the ninth minute, and when captain Jarrod Bowen scored the 2-1 winner in the second half, he approached supporters behind the goal carrying an Antonio jersey.
“To share that moment, he’s not here with us but I’m sure he was watching and the fans, you heard them,” Bowen told broadcaster Sky Sports.
West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen lifts up Michail Antonio’s shirt after scoring his side’s second goal. CameraSport via Getty Images
“An emotional couple of days.”
Before the game, Bowen said, “Everyone loves Mic, he is a big character.
“He is not just a teammate, he is a friend and has been for many years. A dad as well to beautiful children. It is one of those things where life is bigger than football. The main thing is Mic is safe and well and here to tell the story.
“Saturday [Sunday AEDT] was a really difficult time. He is a warrior and a fighter, he always has been, and I know he will be back stronger for this.”
Antonio has made more than 300 appearances for West Ham since joining the club from Nottingham Forest in 2015, and played in all 14 games this season before the incident.
Reports following the incident have suggested the Jamaican may be forced to retire from the game due to the injuries he has suffered.
