Hollywood star Gerard Butler joins Celtic for charity match

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/west-central/265419-hollywood-star-gerard-butler-joins-celtic-for-charity-match/


Hollywood star Gerard Butler joins Celtic for charity match

The Bounty Hunter star is to don the hoops against Manchester United for east Africa famine appeal.


Star turn: Gerard Butler will play alongside Henrik Larsson and members of The View.

Hollywood actor Gerard Butler is to play for Celtic in a charity match against Manchester United to help raise money to tackle famine in east Africa, the Glasgow club has announced.

The lifelong Celtic fan will pull on the famous hooped jersey for the first time in the "legends" charity match, which will see a host of former players and celebrity fans from both sides battle it out at Parkhead on Tuesday.

A club spokesperson said The Bounty Hunter star is "delighted at getting the opportunity to play at Celtic Park".

The 41-year-old Paisley-born actor, who rose to fame in action film 300, will be joined in the Parkhead side by Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton and manager Neil Lennon.

Former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton, boxer Steve Collins and The View band members Pete Reilly and Kyle Falconer will also be in the line-up.

Meanwhile, former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan will pull on his former jersey to suit up for Manchester United.

He will be joined by Teddy Sheringham, Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to raise money for the crisis.

Other celebrities playing for the visitors include singers Richard Ashcroft, Tinchy Stryder and Simon Webbe and former Have I Got News For You host Angus Deayton.

Celebrities including Billy Connolly will also be at Parkhead with collection buckets, encouraging Hoops and United supporters to help ease the suffering in the Horn of Africa.

A share of the proceeds will benefit former Celtic defender John Kennedy, whose career was cut short by an injury sustained during a Scotland international match against Romania at Hampden Park.

Celtic manager Lennon said he was "very excited" about the match.

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.

"We just hope on the night it's a great occasion and we get a lot of people through the turnstiles."

The match kicks off at 7.45pm on Tuesday.

http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=1382

Gerard Butler at Paradise for Celtic Legends game

GERARD Butler is swapping the bright lights of Hollywood for the floodlights of Paradise to take part in the Legends game at Celtic Park tomorrow night (Tuesday, August 9).

The actor and Celtic fan will pull on the Hoops for the game against Manchester United, which will raise money for Oxfam’s East Africa Famine Appeal.

Gerard, who was born in Paisley, has starred in a number of films, including PS I Love You, 300, The Ugly Truth and The Bounty Hunter.

And he’s delighted at getting the opportunity to play at Celtic Park and helping such a worthwhile cause.

Tickets for the Legends game between Celtic and Manchester United at Celtic Park on Tuesday, August 9 are on general sale priced £10 Adult and £5 Concession. Click HERE to purchase tickets online, call 0871 226 1888* or by visit the Celtic Ticket Office.

Tickets are also available in the following Celtic retail outlets: Argyle Street, Sauchiehall Street, Clydebank, Coatbridge, Edinburgh, East Kilbride, Celtic Superstore

* Calls cost up to 10p per minute, telecoms provider dependent. Mobile and other provider charges may vary.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/latest-scottish-news/Film-star-turns-out-for.6815378.jp

Film star turns out for Celtic

Hollywood star Gerard Butler is to play for Celtic in a charity football match to raise money to help tackle famine in east Africa.
The Paisley-born actor will take part in the Legends game against Manchester United at Parkhead.

A statement from the Glasgow club said the PS I Love You actor was "delighted" to get the opportunity to play at Celtic Park and help a "worthwhile cause".

The 41-year-old will be joined in the Celtic line-up by Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton and manager Neil Lennon.

The visiting team will feature Roy Keane, former boxer Ricky Hatton, musician Richard Ashcroft and comedian Angus Deayton.

The match has been organised to raise funds for the Oxfam East Africa appeal after former Celtic defender John Kennedy pledged his testimonial to the cause.

Celebrities including Billy Connolly will be there to help raise money.

Executive producer Lester Holcombe said: "Who wouldn't give £10 to watch footie heroes such as Larsson, Keane, Sutton, Yorke, McNamara and Dublin?

"The match is a great chance to bring your kids to see some proper old school legends and the addition of the musical icons and celebrities adds a really fun element - these matches are really great entertainment."

The match is the ninth game produced by the Legends for live television broadcast, raising hundreds of thousands for charity.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2011/08/09/hollywood-hunk-gerard-butler-clinches-dream-role-as-he-lines-up-for-celtic-in-charity-match-86908-23330861/


Hollywood hunk Gerard Butler clinches dream role.. as he lines up for Celtic in charity match

FOOTIE-DAFT film star Gerard Butler's dream will come true tonight - when he plays for Celtic at Parkhead.

The Scot will pull on the hoops to take part in a charity game with a host of footballing greats.

Gerard - who played King Leonidas of the Spartans in the film 300 - will line up with Celtic legends for the game against Man Utd for Oxfam's east Africa appeal.

A source said: "Gerard didn't have to be asked twice. You can imagine how excited he is about the prospect of running out on to the pitch for the team he has supported all his life."

The Celtic Legends side will include Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton and Lubo Moravcik and will be managed by Martin O'Neill.

They'll play a United side managed by Gordon Strachan and featuring Roy Keane and Brian McClair.

Tickets are priced s10 for adults and s5 concession and can be bought on Celtic's website, by visiting the Celtic ticket office or by calling 0871 226 1888. They are also available at some Celtic shops.

It's tonight, right? I wonder if he was asked a while back or on the spur of the moment. I know the fansites would have been all over this posting information for people in the UK to attend. At any rate, I'm sure of at least one of them who will be there.

Livestreaming:


http://magic-tv.co/wordpress/?page_id=12

and here:

http://www.vipbox.tv/watch/1163/1/celtic-v-manchester-united:-the-legends-live-.html

He's number 23.

He started the game - with the kick. Whatever it's called in soccer....kickoff?

He had the first opportunity to score, perfect set up and missed.

He looks tall and thin. Really lanky. And his hair has taken on a life of its own.

This really IS cool!

Did you notice his accent was thicker when they interviewed him on the sideline?

Hahahahahaa.

It looks like they are repeating the game on this website:

http://www.vipbox.tv/watch/1163/1/celtic-v-manchester-united:-the-legends-live-.html

I don't know what to think of the match.
I was bored and working on other things. But Gerry looked, I dunno.
I was impressed how long he lasted before takng a break. He has stamina with all the running. I don't know about his skills (?).....but I couldn't play soccer to save my life, so I'm no judge. I'm not sure if this is good PR for "Playing the Field" or not.

BTW, I bet he's glad he has wrapped PTF. Can you imagine playing against some good players before you start filming a movie in which you are playing an ex pro player? It would rattle my confidence and make me nervous about trying to pull off a convincing performance.

Pics at link:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2024267/Celtics-Henrik-Larsson-hide-envy-Gerard-Butlers-muscles.html

I wish I had a six-pack like that! Celtic legend Henrik Larsson can't hide his envy over Gerard Butler's muscles during charity football match
By Daily Mail Reporter


Back in the day, Henrik Larsson was one of the hottest football heartthrobs in Sweden.
But, as he sat in the changing room with Gerard Butler this afternoon, ahead of a charity football match, Larsson couldn't help casting an envious glance at the Hollywood actor's incredibly muscular physique.
As Butler stuck his tongue out at the cameras while putting his top on, Larsson could be seen in the corner, failing to mask his jealousy over the 300 star's six-pack.
I wish I had a six-pack like that! Henrik Larsson looks on enviously as Gerard Butler shows off his muscles in the changing room ahead of a charity football match between Celtic and Manchester United


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 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.

Posing up: But the pair smiled for the camera as they posed with Butler's Celtic football shirt


Preparations: The chance to play for Celtic was the fulfilling of a lifelong dream for 300 star Butler


Champion boxer Ricky Hatton, boxer Steve Collins and The View band members Pete Reilly and Kyle Falconer also played in the game, while former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan's appearance for the Manchester United side added to the atmosphere.
He joined Teddy Sheringham, Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer 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.

Ready for action: Butler grins and waves as he poses before taking to the field before the match


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.

I'm free! Butler looks in a world of his own as he plays during the energetic game


Warming up: Butler enjoys a kickabout with Manchester United's Roy Keane before the match


'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.'
Excited: Butler couldn't hide his delight as he made his way into the stadium for the game


Casual: Butler, dressed casually in a pair of beige combats and white T-shirt, took the time to pose with fans


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2024267/Celtics-Henrik-Larsson-hide-envy-Gerard-Butlers-muscles.html#ixzz1UZfbW4Zb

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2024267/Celtics-Henrik-Larsson-hide-envy-Gerard-Butlers-muscles.html#ixzz1UZfbW4Zb

Well he sure doesnt look sickly and malnourished in that pic! HUBBA!

Another pic:

http://twitpic.com/63ne0f

http://twitpic.com/63n43s

Gerard Butler turning up just a tad late for the line-up #Celtic

Dallas wrote:

http://twitpic.com/63n43s

Gerard Butler turning up just a tad late for the line-up #Celtic

Gee? Ya think? Has he ever been on time? EVER?

http://celebridades.uol.com.br/album/20110808_album.jhtm?abrefoto=12&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Those pics are nice. Thanks for all your hard work, Dallas.

Wow. You can enlarge this pic and see that his head is almost entirely gray. I wonder what he would look like without any hair dye....Michael Douglas?

http://twitpic.com/63mi1z

Pics at link:

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/871898-gerard-butler-draws-crowds-to-celtic-v-manchester-united-charity-match

Gerard Butler draws crowds to Celtic v Manchester United charity match

Scottish-born Hollywood actor Gerard Butler was the star turn as Manchester United and Celtic played out a ‘legends’ charity match at Parkhead on Tuesday night.

..The lifelong Bhoys fan donned the famous green and white hoops as the two sides played out an entertaining game, which finished 5-2 to the Scottish side.


The event was also notable for former Celtic striker Henrik Larsson’s long-awaited return, which he marked with a typically proficient performance – and a hat-trick.

However, it was Butler, 41 – the star of several big Hollywood movies of recent years, including 300, Law Abiding Citizen and Beowulf alongside celebs such as Jennifer Aniston and Hilary Swank – who stole the show, despite a slightly less than professional performance.

The 41-year-old actor, who appeared to be significantly slimmer than when he appeared in his starring big-screen roles, played up front for the Glasgow side.

But although he failed to score and seemed to struggle to keep up with play at times, he was still greeted by a standing ovation when coming off.

Other household names to make an appearance at the match included United legends Roy Keane, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Teddy Sheringham and Dwight Yorke, who were joined by Richard Ashcroft, Tinchy Strider and Angus Deayton.

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/871898-gerard-butler-draws-crowds-to-celtic-v-manchester-united-charity-match#ixzz1Ua6DsueE

Pics at link:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2024324/Celtic-Legends-5-Manchester-United-Legends-2-Henrik-Larsson-Gerard-Butler-Neil-Lennon.html?ITO=1490&utm


Celtic Legends 5 Manchester United Legends 2: Henrik Larsson rolls back the years for charity


Celtic legend Henrik Larsson turned back the clock at Parkhead to grab a hat-trick for a Hoops legends side in their win over their Manchester United counterparts.

Charity was the real winner though as a huge crowd of 50,000-plus turned up for match arranged as a tribute to former Celtic defender John Kennedy, who had to retire through injury. The proceeds will go to Oxfam's East Africa charity appeal.

Legends, for the most part, was an acceptably loose term on a night which was a mixture of nostalgia and hero-worship.

Former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill was in charge of the home squad which had Larsson, Neil Lennon, John Hartson, Chris Sutton, Lubo Moravcik and Alan Thompson, as well various celebrities including actor Gerard Butler and former boxer Steve Collins.

Another former Celtic manager, Gordon Strachan, oversaw United, for whom he starred as a midfielder in the 1980s.

Roy Keane, Brian McClair and Dion Dublin - who all had spells at both clubs - were in the Red Devils' squad along with Dwight Yorke and their own batch of celebrities including comedian Patrick Kielty, television presenter Angus Deayton and their own boxing great in Nigel Benn.

There was a carnival atmosphere inside the stadium as Kennedy led Celtic out but it was Larsson who previously had been given the biggest cheer of the night as his name was read out.

The game itself was almost irrelevant.

Kennedy, who was generously donating his percentage of the gate to the Appeal, was given a rapturous round of applause when he was replaced by current Hoops assistant manager Johan Mjallby in the 10th minute, by which time Yorke had opened the scoring for the visitors.

Former sprinter Darren Campbell added a second after 18 minutes before Keane fouled Sutton in the United box to allow Larsson, a true Celtic legend, the chance to score from the spot to the roars of the Parkhead support.

Inevitably, the pace of the game dropped and the use of substitutes increased.

Lennon was given a huge cheer when he came on at the start of the second half, before singer Russell Watson came on for United. It was that kind of game.

Larsson - who else? - equalised in the 53rd minute with a curling shot from just inside the box.

It was like old times as Larsson, Moravcik, Thompson and Lennon pressed for the winner and it was the former Sweden international who drive in number three with eight minutes remaining.

Larsson set up Bobby Petta for number four two minutes later and the Dutchman notched a second in the 87th minute to send the fans home happy.

Pics at link:


http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/3743544/The-King-and-his-Butler.html


The King and his Butler

HUNKY Gerard Butler makes a striking impression on Celtic idol Henrik Larsson last night as he gets stripped for a glamour football match.
The Hollywood actor and Larsson were among stars who lined up for the Hoops Legends side in their charity game against Manchester United.


The 41-year-old 300 star and Celtic fan had female fans in a frenzy at Parkhead.

And after the match he joked that he'd be going back to Hollywood in a wheelchair.

Butler, who was filming surfing movie Mavericks in LA before jetting to Scotland, said: "I'm sore all over - even my ego after running about for 70 minutes doing nothing.

"And now I'm going back by wheelchair!"

Butler - who played in attack with Larsson - added: "It was surreal."

Other celebs included Westlife singer Nicky Byrne, The View frontman Kyle Falconer, rap sensation Tinchy Stryder and funnyman Patrick Kielty.

Comedy legend Billy Connolly was among the huge crowd who watched the home team's 5-2 win.

The match was originally planned to raise funds for the Celtic Charity Foundation and ex-Hoops defender John Kennedy who was forced to retire through injury.

But the 27-year-old is donating funds raised to the Oxfam East Africa Famine Appeal.

Scottish Sun columnist John Hartson, who battled cancer, kicked the match off. Other ex-pros included Frank McAvennie, Roy Keane and Dion Dublin.