Joel Ward won’t forget his most recent trip to the Etihad in a hurry.
The Crystal Palace right back was part of a team that found itself on the receiving end of a 5-0 rout courtesy of Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
But the pain of such a defeat was almost certainly exceeded by the agony endured by Ward following a challenge from City winger Leroy Sane.
With the score at 3-0, Palace were awarded a free kick in City’s half when Sane crashed into Ward, who quickly hit the deck.
As the cameras panned to the defender’s face, blood could be seen streaming down his nose and on to the pitch.
When Ward glanced up to motion for medical attention, we all got a clear sight at just how badly his nose had been broken.
that nose is not going in the right direction pic.twitter.com/nrX37hywTf
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) May 6, 2017
Now, let us remind you how Ward’s nose used to look – straight, unblemished, pointing forward.
With Palace having just used their third and final substitution of the game, Ward had no option but to soldier on for the remaining 15 minutes.
The referee kept his cards in his pocket and City went on to score another two before the full-time whistle.
It was not a good day for Palace supporters.
It was a worse day for Joel Ward.
https://twitter.com/Kenzie_Ramires/status/860846838735183873
Broken nose – Joel has lost his last remain asset. His beautiful looks. RIP.
— L.i.am (@GilesyL14) May 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/wooders02/status/860843882443153411
Eugh Joel Ward's nose there 😷😷😷 That's so minging – how wonky did it go?! #MCICRY
— Matty (@MatthewSoakell) May 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/WijnaldumFC/status/860843184162820096
https://twitter.com/mansfield1329/status/860844214908850177
That must be a broken nose for Joel Ward. Horrible! #MANCRY
— Lydia Campbell (@Lyds_campbell) May 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/fan_palace/status/860844869669064704
Joel Ward took that like a champ! #MCICRY
— Farmer Matty (@MattyL34) May 6, 2017
