Smalling jellyfish sting reports clarified by Man Utd

Chris Smalling: In hospital with food poisoning

Manchester United have moved to ease fears over Chris Smalling’s health after revealing he has been hospitalised by food poisoning, not a jellyfish sting as first reported.

Pictures of a man believed to be the United centre-half surfaced on social media after he was alleged to have been taken ill while learning to surf.

Manchester United chiefs told the Manchester Evening News that they are investigating the reports after pictures of a man, who appears to be Smalling, were posted on Twitter.

The reports claim the 26-year-old was stung by the jellyfish while learning to surf during a holiday on Bali with his girlfriend Sam Cooke.

Paul Britton of the Manchester Evening News reports that the club are ‘investigating the reports’, and ‘were looking into the matter’.

The club have now confirmed that Smalling was hospitalised due to food poisoning, not a jellyfish sting.

“Manchester United can clarify Chris Smalling has had food poisoning during his holiday which resulted in him fainting on Sunday,” the message reads.

“The 26-year-old defender was taken to the hospital and is now feeling fine.

“He is currently on vacation following his time with England at Euro 2016 before reporting back for pre-season training later this month.”