Friday 20th April 2018

Later this year, Celtic FC Foundation will host a charity game – A Match for Cancer - which will see the return of a host of familiar figures to Paradise, together with a number of new faces to grace the hallowed turf – all with the intention of raising money to fight cancer.

SO PUT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2018, IN YOUR DIARY!

A Match for Cancer will take place at Celtic Park on Saturday, September 8 with a 2pm KO and it promises to be a special day in Paradise. Every penny raised will be devoted to tackling cancer through three equal beneficiary charities - Celtic FC Foundation, the Stiliyan Petrov Foundation and the James Milner Foundation.

The match will see Celtic legend, Stiliyan Petrov and Liverpool midfielder, James Milner pull together opposing squads and a number of former players are already lined up including Henrik Larsson, Lubo Moravcik, Hristo Stoichkov, Steven Gerrard and Luis Garcia. And there will be many more famous faces announced in the coming months, from the worlds of football and entertainment.

Stiliyan Petrov said: “I’ve been involved in a few charity games at Celtic Park and every one of them has been a wonderful and uplifting experience. The supporters never fail to get behind the cause and I believe this one will be particularly close to their hearts as we aim to challenge cancer.

“James hasn’t experienced the magic of the Celtic support at Paradise and I’ve told him he’s in for a day he will never forget.

“I’m working hard to pull together a winning squad and, with Henrik and Lubo already on board, I’m off to a flyer! Let’s just say I’m quietly confident.”

At the prospect of facing off against his friend, James Milner, said: “I’ve heard so much about the unique and extraordinary atmosphere at Celtic Park and I can’t wait to get there!

“I’m well aware of the charitable history of Celtic and it’s a real honour to be involved in this match as we all pull together to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

“I’m going to have a pretty special squad on the day so Stiliyan better prepare himself!”

Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, added: “Stiliyan is a very special former Celt, adored by our supporters and James Milner is a Liverpool star, playing at the highest level. I am very grateful that they have given up their time to partner their two charities with Celtic FC Foundation.

“According to Cancer Research UK, one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. It’s a horrendous statistic and we feel very strongly about trying to have a positive impact on those suffering from cancer and their families, through this match.

“The cause perfectly aligns with the charitable essence of our football club and I have every faith that our supporters will get behind the match in great numbers, as they always do.”

Further details on the ‘A Match for Cancer’ charity game, including ticket information and team line-ups, will be announced soon on www.celticfc.net