Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich faces surgery after rupturing a quadriceps muscle while saving a penalty from former AFL boss Gillon McLachlan at a World Cup promotion in Sydney.
The Australian football great was taking part in a celebrity penalty shootout hosted by Tabcorp at The Star on Friday when the incident occurred.
Bosnich, 54, rolled back the years by pulling off several saves during the event, which was staged to build excitement ahead of the FIFA World Cup later this month.
But the mood changed dramatically when McLachlan stepped up during a sudden-death shootout.
The former AFL boss struck his penalty down the middle and Bosnich sprawled to make the save.
Moments later, the former Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea goalkeeper was clutching his right leg in pain and unable to get back to his feet.
Mark Bosnich is helped from the field after suffering a serious leg injury during a World Cup promotional event in Sydney
The former Socceroos goalkeeper ruptured a quadriceps muscle while saving a penalty from Gillon McLachlan
Bosnich grimaces in pain after making what proved to be a costly save at The Star on Friday
Spectators initially believed the incident may have been a joke before it became clear the injury was serious.
Bosnich removed his gloves and limped from the field before receiving treatment on the sidelines.
‘I hit it flush,’ McLachlan said afterwards.
‘He overreacted.’
Bosnich initially remained at the venue with ice strapped to his leg but was later taken to hospital for assessment.
The Stan Sport football commentator later confirmed the injury was a ruptured quadriceps muscle and that he would require surgery.
The event featured a host of sporting personalities including former Socceroos stars Robbie Slater and Archie Thompson, along with former Sydney Swans premiership player Michael O’Loughlin, ex-NRL forward Justin Horo and football content creator Tom Harris.
Thompson, who was serving as MC, admitted he initially thought Bosnich was joking.
Bosnich rolled back the years with several saves before disaster struck during the sudden-death shootout
Bosnich earned 17 caps for Australia and remains one of the country’s most recognisable football figures
‘I hope it is a stitch up but if it is, man, his acting is incredible,’ Thompson said.
With Bosnich unable to continue, Harris was called into goal for the deciding kick of the shootout.
Slater then converted the winning penalty to bring the event to an end.
Bosnich remains one of Australia’s most decorated football exports.
Born in Sydney, he made his professional debut with Manchester United before establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s leading goalkeepers during a seven-year spell at Aston Villa.
He later returned to Manchester United, winning the Premier League title during the 1999-2000 season, and also earned 17 caps for Australia.
Australia will open its World Cup campaign against Turkey in Vancouver on June 14 before facing United States in Seattle on June 20. The Socceroos then wrap up their Group D fixtures against Paraguay in Santa Clara on June 26.
