Was there some news that we missed? Is Ilkay Gundogan actually dead? Those were the thoughts of many Sky Sports viewers on Sunday afternoon as the Man City players stood in the Eastlands tunnel ahead of their game with Arsenal.
The German international suffered a knee injury during the week which will keep him out of action for the next six months.
In solidarity with their teammate, Man City players, or more likely a PR mastermind at the club, decided Zabaleta, de Bruyne, Sterling and Co. should wear shirts ahead of the game bearing Gundogan's squad number.
The lads walk out in @IlkayGuendogan shirts to show solidarity with their team mate. Get well soon, Ilkay! #mcfc pic.twitter.com/1IW7a0mIBH
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 18, 2016
It was a decision met with pure ridicule.
The Manchester City team are paying tribute to injured Ilkay Gundogan by wearing his shirt back to front... #MCIARShttps://t.co/M52yApInuw pic.twitter.com/zM3o7cpcSc
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) December 18, 2016
— Dodge (@seidodge) December 18, 2016
This shite of wearing tops for injured players. Why can't a lad just be injured in peace any more!?
— Mark Farrelly (@MarkFarrelly131) December 18, 2016
Had Gundogan died? Just injured? Worst misuse of shirts since the Suarez incident
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvans92a) December 18, 2016
Could be a new trend. Liverpool could emerge in Sturridge shirts EVERY week
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvans92a) December 18, 2016
Bit harsh from City team-mates to highlight the number of months Gundogan going to miss
— aidan o'hara (@oharaa) December 18, 2016
To be fair is probably the best way to remember Gundogan now he's dead
— Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) December 18, 2016
Gundogan didn't die for this start
— GeorgeWeahsCousin (@WeahsCousin) December 18, 2016
Disrespectful of Arsenal to score before the 8th minute, pretty sure City had a collective applause planned for the departed Gundogan
— United In Focus (@UnitedInFocus) December 18, 2016
Nice touch from City re: Gundogan named shirts. Assuming 'nice touch' means pointlessly over the top gesture for still alive human being.
— Andrew Allen (@AAllenSport) December 18, 2016
