From Hollywood to Celtic Park
From Hollywood to Celtic Park, movie star Gerard Butler was just one of the celebrities who took to the football field for Celtic as the team took on Manchester United in a charity football match last night to help raise money to tackle famine in East Africa.
Lifelong Celtics fan Butler couldn’t hide his delight as he took to the field at Parkhead for the legends match.
The 41-year-old star was seen beaming as he made his way into the stadium in his white T-shirt and beige trousers, taking the time to have photographs taken with fans.
Speaking from the side lines, Gerard beamed with pride as he spoke of his life long love of the club: “Pretty much every since I was born I’ve been connected with Celtic, I was a St Mirran supporter till I was about 6-years-old then I seen the light and have spported Celtic every since.. I mean how can you not?”
“I cant even tell you how I feel right now, It’s unbelievable to be here and to be playing with the boys.”
Hollyoaks and Dream Team star, Ricky Whittle, comedian Partick Kielty, presenter Jeff Brazier, and boxer Steve Collins also played in the game, while former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan’s appearance for the Manchester United side added to the atmosphere.
He joined Roy Keane, Dwight Yorke , Ralf Litttle and Dion Dublin to raise cash for the famine crisis.
And Richard Ashcroft, Tinchy Strider and Simon Webbe from Blue were joined by former Have I Got News For You host Angus Deayton for visiting team Manchester United.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon said before the match he was ‘very excited’ about the upcoming game.
He said: ‘Manchester United have had some great teams over the years, and a lot of the players will be turning up for that.
‘The history of our club was that it was started as a charitable organisation for Irish immigrants in Glasgow and we have carried that through year after year on donating to charity ever since.
‘The majority of the proceeds will go to the East African famine and a portion of the gate receipts will go to a young player John Kennedy, who’s now working at the club.
‘He tragically retired very early in his career and he was a great talent which was lost due to a horrific injury.
‘We just hope on the night it’s a great occasion and we get a lot of people through the turnstiles.’
FINAL SCORE: Celtic – 5 Man United – 2
