Premier League team all wears same shirt after terrifying incident

A unique gesture from Premier League stars is the talk of the football world after an emotional evening for the club.

West Ham players all paid tribute to Michail Antonio in Tuesday morning’s Premier League clash as teammate Michail Antonio recovers from a sickening high speed car crash.

Hammers stars wore shirts featuring Antonio’s name and number ahead of their clash with Wolves at London Stadium.

It comes after Antonio was involved in a horrific car crash on Sunday (AEDT).

The 34-year-old had a miraculous escape as he had to be cut free from his $450,000 Ferrari FF, which was ripped apart when it hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, in the UK

The 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 Sun reports.

West Ham United players will auction off the special jerseys.

Fans in the stadium applauded the players. Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images.

The incident left the entire Premier League in a state of shock, especially the West Ham family.

Teammate Jarrod Bowen paid tribute to Antonio before the Wolves clash, saying: “Mic has been longer than I have, everyone loves him. He’s a big character in here.

“Those few hours on Saturday were difficult. He’s not just a teammate he’s a friend of ours, he’s been a friend of ours for many years. A dad as well to beautiful children.

“And you see the support, I just want to say thank you for all the support from everyone.

“It’s one of those things where life is bigger than football. It was one of those where everyone came together and I truly appreciate that.

“The main thing is that Mic’s safe, he’s well and he’s here to tell the story.

“Mic’s a warrior, Mic’s a fighter, he always has been throughout his career. I know he’ll be back stronger from this.”

Fans also paid tribute on the ninth minute with by standing to applaud their stricken star, who is their all-time record scorer in the Premier League.

Tomas Soucek gave a nod to Antonio too after he opened the scoring with a header in the 54th minute on the night, holding up nine fingers in recognition of his stricken friend.

Michail Antonio was trapped in the wreckage. Photo: Twitter, @Whu_Centre.

The footballer is making a recovery.

The East Londoners will 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 National Health Service (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.”

Unfortunately, the good will didn’t carry into the contest with Wolverhampton as a melee erupted between the two teams.

Mario Lemina reacts as he is held back by teammate Toti Gomes. Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images.

Handbags at 10 paces. Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP.

West Ham may have won the match 2-1, but it could be argued Wolves won the fight.

Match-winner Bowen was thrown to the turf as tensions boiled over as players from both teams ran in to separate players at full time.

The handbags come out at full time after Mario Lemina refused to shake Bowen’s hand.

It caused both skippers to square up to each other and get involved in a grappling contest.

Bowen appeared to say: “Shake my hand” before pushing Lemina back and grabbing him by the scruff of the neck.

Lemina in turn grabbed onto Bowen’s shirt and flipped the England winger onto the grass.

Players from both sides rushed in and there was chaos on the pitch as West Ham celebrated a hugely important victory.

Bowen and Lemina were both subsequently booked after the match.

An enraged Lemina even pushed his own team-mate Toti Gomes and a member of Wolves’ coaching staff.

Both were trying to calm down the Wolves captain.

— This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission

Originally published as Premier League team all wears same shirt after terrifying incident