Paddy McGuinness Announces He Is Out Of Soccer Aid Due To Injury

Paddy McGuinness has announced he has had to pull out of Soccer Aid due to injury, saying in an Instagram post he felt 'gutted' not to take part in the event 'for the first time ever'.

McGuinness was due to appear on the pitch tonight as part of the England squad for Soccer Aid 2021, alongside fellow celebs including Olly Murs, Joel Dommett, Aitch and Sir Mo Farah.

But the new Question of Sport presenter said today he has had to withdraw from the competition, writing on Instagram: "Gutted! For the first time ever I'm having to pull out of @socceraid due to injury. Tore my lateral meniscus and it's not something that can be sorted with the magic sponge.

"Good luck to both teams today and if you've got tickets you're in for a great day for a great cause."

A reply from the official Soccer Aid Instagram account said: "Won't be the same without you Paddy! Get on that road to recovery."

Dommett, who was set to be McGuinness' teammate for the game, wrote: "Thinking of you buddy! I'll do you proud!"

Instagram/Paddy McGuinness

Celebrity Juice's Keith Lemon also asked if McGuinness wanted to 'play out' with him instead, offering: "We can get the BMX's out!"

Created by Robbie Williams back in 2006, Soccer Aid for UNICEF is the 'world's biggest charity football match', raising money 'to give kids the best start in life'.

Once a year, an England squad made up of celebs and footballing legends take on their opponents, the Soccer Aid World XI FC.

Soccer Aid

Ahead of this year's event, which takes place tonight, Soccer Aid said: "Fan favourites Olly Murs, Usain Bolt, Chunkz and Jamie Redknapp are all back to play, joined by a host of new faces including Tom Grennan, James Arthur and Fara Wiliams.

"England legend Wayne Rooney will be stepping away from his 2020 management role and pulling on his boots to play for the Three Lions.

"In a new signing for 2021, Alex Scott will be our Pitch-side Reporter, alongside Soccer Aid's long-term supporter, Dermot O'Leary as Presenter and Maya Jama will once again be adding her thoughts as a pundit."

You can watch the game at home on ITV from 6.30pm, ready for kick-off at 7.30pm.

Topics: Entertainment, Celebrity, Football, Paddy McGuinness

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman