Big Al and Sir Les reunited
NEWCASTLE United legend Alan Shearer will join former strike partner Les Ferdinand on the pitch once again for a charity match to fundraise for the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Queens Park Rangers announced plans to host the fixture on September 2 to raise cash for the survivors of the blaze, which claimed the lives of at least 80 people on June 14.
Shearer and Ferdinand will be joined by a number of famous former professionals such as David Seaman, Andy Sinton, Jody Morris, Ally McCoist, Paul Merson and Trevor Sinclair.
The ex-footballers will lineup with the likes of Olly Murs, Tinie Tempah, Ben Shephard, Darren Campbell, James Bay, Darren Campbell and more at Loftus Road – just one mile away from the North Kensington tower block.
Current Stoke City striker Peter Crouch will also play his part, and will be joined by firefighter friend Gregg Jules who helped in the relief effort.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Ferdinand - who was raised in the area affected before playing for QPR – said: “The Grenfell Tower fire has had a huge impact on the local community, of which QPR is a massive part. “As someone who grew up in the area, personally this is incredibly close to my own heart and having spoken to Tony [Fernandes], he was also keen to continue the work we’ve done in the community since the fire. “A game, giving something back to the people of West London, seemed like the obvious thing to do, and thanks to QPR, Toast Entertainment Group and Columbia Records, the idea of a #Game4Grenfell was born.
“Despite the natural team rivalries that exist in football, I have always found that this sport can unite people and communities like no other.
“In the hours and days after the tragic fire, Fulham, Brentford, Chelsea and ourselves worked shoulder to shoulder, uniting for the communities we all live and work in.”
More than 2,000 free tickets for #Game4Grenfell will be handed out to those directly affected by the inferno and who have helped with the subsequent relief effort.
Tickets for the match are on sale now, priced £15 for adults and £5 concessions. For further information, visit www.game4grenfell.com