Oxfam’s East Africa famine appeal has been announced as the main beneficiary of The Legends Celtic v Manchester United match on 9 August and the lineup now includes angling’s own John Bailey along with the likes of Man Utd legend Roy Keane.
Celtic Charity Fund has taken the decision to make Oxfam’s East Africa Famine Appeal the event’s main charitable beneficiary of the event. With ITV broadcasting the match live from Celtic Park stars from football and entertainment will be out in force at Celtic Park to back the campaign.
Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “East Africa is facing the worst food crisis seen anywhere in the world for many years – almost 12 million people are at risk right now. Oxfam is there, and we’re already making a huge difference, but we need fans of Celtic, Manchester United and football fans across the world to rally together and help us to do even more.
The Legends Celtic vs. Manchester United match is going to be an incredible night, and it’s fantastic to see so many players – past and present – and famous fans getting involved. Thanks to them, and the support of the fans, every minute of the match will help us raise money to save lives across Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.”
Legends of both clubs and the entertainment world will be taking part in the match. Already confirmed are players such as Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, Dwight Yorke, Gordon Strachan, Patrick Kielty, Richard Ashcroft, Ricky Hatton, Nigel Benn, Angus Deayton, Ricky Whittle, Nicky Byrne – and now John Bailey, who had football trials at Stockport and Macclesfield before deciding on an academic career and making his name in angling.
John commented: “fishing and football, Man Utd in particular, have been my life’s passions. Being originally a Manchester lad I can remember George Best’s first home game and it is a real honour to represent angling at such a prestigious and worthwhile event and it is fantastic that so many top sportsmen and artists are giving up their time for such an important cause. I can’t wait to mark Larsson out of the game and explain to Keano exactly how to boss midfield!”
Billy Connolly, the Patron of the Celtic Foundation will be at Celtic Park on the night, and a host of other confirmed as lending support to the event and the fundraising effort are Wayne Rooney, Rod Stewart, Eddie Jordan, Sharleen Spiteri, Dougray Scott and Paolo Nutini.
The line up has swelled further this week with the addition of Manchester United hero Roy Keane. For Keane who made 326 appearances for Man U scoring 33 goals the return to Celtic Park will bring back memories of his final season as a player. He returns to Celtic on the eve of his 40th birthday and will be looking for a victory to put the icing on his celebrations. The former Ireland international played 10 times for Celtic FC in the 2005/2006 season before retiring on medical grounds.
Truly deserving of his place in The Legends, Alex Ferguson has said of Keane: “Over the years when they start picking the best teams of all time, he will be in there.”
Celtic manager Neil Lennon said: “This is a great cause and one we should all support. The charitable spirit and generosity of our supporters is well known and we’re sure our fans will once again lend their backing to support the many thousands of people in Africa who need our help.
The images from Africa which we are seeing daily are heart-breaking and this is a cause everyone at the Club is fully behind. It’s fantastic that so many people are committing their time and support to this event. We’re sure the evening will be a great success and we look forward to welcoming as many supporters as possible.”
The match is the 9th game produced by the Legends for live broadcast in the UK and internationally. The matches have raised hundreds of thousands for charity and are watched by millions of people worldwide.
Tickets are now on general sale priced £10 Adult and £5 Concession for further details call 0871 226 1888 or visit the Celtic Ticket Office.
