Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Mia O'Hare

Soccer Aid star forced to pull out at last-minute as news announced just before kick-off

A Soccer Aid star sadly had to pull out of the match minutes before kick-off due to an injury, but has said he "can't complain".

Steven Bartlett, 30, was all set to represent World XI FC at the game on Sunday night at Old Trafford.

Yet the Dragon's Den star was unable to make his appearance after picking up a nasty injury in training.

Taking to Instagram, the entrepreneur posted a pic of his leg as he wrote: "Yesterday in training I felt a pop in my hamstring and a sharp pain!

"So unfortunatley I won't be playing at Soccer Aid today.

"I can't complain the experience has been an absolute dream and I feel so grateful. I'll be cheering my team on from the dug out!"

Steven shared an update on his social media (Instagram/steven)
The Dragon's Den star suffered an injury in training (ITV)

As the show started, presenter Dermot O'Leary also told fans about Steven's injury.

He said: "You have got some injury news as well, it's poor Steven Bartlett."

Presenter Joella Noble replied: "Steven Bartlett, yeah, he is not playing tonight which is really sad. But I know he is still going to amp them on and he is going to be good vibes regardless.

"This is what I am saying, it's serious. They are not taking this as a joke."

Soccer Aid was back for 2023 on Sunday night, as team England took on the Soccer Aid World XI in front of a 75,000 strong crowd.

Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott was skipper for the England side, and she went up against opposition skipper Usain Bolt.

The England team line-up includes recently retired former England players Gary Cahill and Jack Wilshere, who are joined on the home side by Man United legends Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville.

Former captain and One Direction star Liam Payne is representing the home side, with Danny Dyer, Asa Butterfield and Tom Hiddleston.

The World XI, meanwhile, has some legends of the game, with Roberto Carlos, Nani, Francesco Totti and Gabriel Batistuta all turning out for Bolt's team.

They are joined by Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster as well as Tommy Fury, Noah Bec and Lee Mack.

Soccer Aid is available to watch on ITV1 and ITVX.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.