FIRE FUND BOOST

Community Shield cash will be used to support the victims

ARSENAL, Chelsea and the Football Association have agreed to give the proceeds from the Community Shield to the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The FA are hopeful it will see around £1.25million donated to those affected by the disaster, in which at least 79 people died.

The families of victims, survivors and emergency service personnel will be invited as guests to the game between FA Cup winners Arsenal and Premier League champions Chelsea on August 6.

Premier League clubs supported the decision and collectively donated £250,000.

FA chairman Greg Clarke said: ‘We were all deeply saddened by the terrible incident at Grenfell Tower. Whilst only a football match, we hope that in some small way through the Community Shield we can help. Two great London clubs will come together to play at London’s most famous stadium just a few miles from Kensington. They will be united in their passion for football, their grief at this tragic loss, and their support for their community.’

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis added: ‘The club stands side by side with Chelsea in reaching out to the community and expressing our support and solidarity for those who have lost friends and family, their homes and their sense of security.’

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said it was important that the match was ‘ dedicated in such a way to the victims and survivors, and to the enormous number of heroes of the rescue operation.’

The EFL and their clubs will collectively donate £175,000.