We’re glad that this story isn’t true.
You’ve likely heard the rumour from nine years ago when Manchester United’s Alan Smith broke his leg and dislocated his ankle after falling awkwardly when attempting to block John Arne Riise’s free kick.
According to the story, Liverpool fans threw missiles at the ambulance that was transferring the former Leeds striker to the hospital but Smith has told FourFourTwo that it’s simply not true.
“It didn’t happen – fans were still in the ground,” he said. “I went back to Liverpool a few years later with Newcastle and had a great reception.
“I had loads of mail from fans after the injury, including a lot from Liverpool. And Liverpool’s medical staff were great. They were worried that because there was no blood flowing that I could have had a club foot.
“It wasn’t Riise’s fault and he came to see me. The dislocated ankle was worse than the leg break because I snapped ligaments and there were complications.
“I knew I was never going to be the same player. I’ve appreciated every game I’ve played since that injury, I know how close I was to being finished.”
