West Ham players show support for hospitalised Antonio

LONDON, England:

West Ham United players showed their support for teammate Michail Antonio following his serious injury in a car crash by wearing items of clothing bearing the striker's name ahead of the English Premier League football game against Wolverhampton yesterday.

The players warmed up in 'Antonio 9' jerseys and walked on to the field in tops adorning his name, West Ham said.

The club will put the walkout tops up for auction along with every match jersey worn against Wolves, with the proceeds going to medical charities and matched by the club's board.

Antonio, a 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 an accident outside London on Saturday, after which he was hospitalised and kept under close supervision.

Unverified images of a heavily damaged Ferrari were shared on social media. It was not known if it was the car involved in the accident.

"He remains in everyone's thoughts as he continues his rehabilitation," West Ham said of Antonio.

"Everyone at the club would like to reiterate their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency services, air ambulance staff and the NHS (National Health Service) for the incredible support given to Michail in the wake of the accident."

VICTORY FOR MICHAIL

West Ham won yesterday's match 2-1. They took the lead in the 53rd minute from a corner kick. Wolves left Tomas Soucek unmarked at the back post and his looping header sailed into the far corner. Matt Doherty equalised for Wolves in the 69th. However, just three minute later West Ham's talismanic captain Jarrod Bowen found time and space in the box to slot home with his left foot.

"The goal and victory were for Michail," Soucek said. "I said to myself before the game that I wanted to score even more because he has been here since I came and he's my favourite. It is difficult for me to play without him but I'm happy he is fine.

"We had a video call with him before the game. He smiled at us and gave us all the best."

The result left the Hammers in 14th spot, one point behind Manchester United. It was the third defeat in a row for Wolves, who remain on nine points, equal with third-to-last Ipswich Town.

Antonio has made more than 300 appearances for West Ham since joining the club from Nottingham Forest in 2015.

- AP