11 Brilliant Things That Happened At The Game4Grenfell Match Today

1) The biggest cheer wasn’t for the celebrities
LOADINGERROR LOADING

Two cultures collided in the shadow of Grenfell Tower as stars from the worlds of showbiz and soccer teamed up to raise funds for people hit by the tragedy.

The Game4Grenfell at QPR’s Loftus Road stadium, just a mile from the tower, kicked off before a sell-out crowd.

There was a sombre mood to begin as those present held a minute’s silence for the at least 80 lives lost in June.

There was a minute's before kick-off at #Game4Grenfell. More about today's game here: https://t.co/xlGDYjf7Am pic.twitter.com/7rzTxBjEJv

— BBC Newsbeat (@BBCNewsbeat) September 2, 2017

But the atmosphere soon changed as Homeland actor, Damian Lewis, had predicted. He told the Press Association: “I grew up very close to here and play football in the shadow of the tower every week, and have done for 25 years.

“We hope today will be a healing and festive occasion. It’s important to let them know we haven’t forgotten.”

Before we go over the highlights, here’s Matt Lucas with a reminder of how you can still donate.

View from the commentary box #Game4Grenfell Text GRENFELL to 70007 (Cost £3 + 1 standard rate message) pic.twitter.com/haEBMFHMdA

— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) September 2, 2017

Let’s begin.

1) The Biggest Cheer Wasn’t For The Celebrities

35' Special substitutions for both sides, as four firefighters who tackled the Grenfell Tower fire are introduced!

(1-1) #Game4Grenfell

— QPR FC (@QPRFC) September 2, 2017

How gorgeous, hero firefighters join in #Game4Grenfell @QPRFC pic.twitter.com/qTyjGPCEBx

— Katie Hind (@katiehind) September 2, 2017

The stadium, which houses some 20,000, erupted in cheers as the likes of Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, singer Olly Murs and former England goalkeeper David Seaman ran onto the pitch but the loudest moment was a poignant one.

2) Kasabian’s Amazingly Sombre Attempt At Looking Positive

Beautiful day for it #Game4Grenfell @QPRFC pic.twitter.com/nRAtQNb6hp

— KasabianHQ (@KasabianHQ) September 2, 2017

Needs work...

Around 2,000 complimentary tickets were given to those directly affected, including residents, relatives of the victims, volunteers and members of the emergency services.

All other ticket money is going to the Evening Standard’s fund for those touched by the tragedy, which claimed at least 80 lives in June.

3) This Juxtaposition

Little and large at #Game4Grenfell 😂 pic.twitter.com/QqyqqaV0xt

— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) September 2, 2017

4) This Shirt Number

Quality shirt number, @Wretch32 😂#Game4Grenfell pic.twitter.com/rZ5KUZRdEo

— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) September 2, 2017

5) Jamie Dornan Fans Lost Their Sh*t

When Jamie signs for more fans before going into the staduim after meeting others near the gates 😀 Love him #JamieDornan #Game4Grenfell pic.twitter.com/dNl6HjgmSi

— Emily (@EJ_iam) September 2, 2017

Comedian Jack Whitehall, nursing an injured arm, insisted he would still play.

He said: “I think they want me to go up against Jamie Redknapp. It’s kind of unfair but they think it will be funny.

“Today is an amazing cause, a thing that everybody wanted to get involved in. It’s wonderful and I’m really pleased to be a part of it.”

6) Mo Farah Did What He Does Best - A Lot

Mo Farah's heat map so far in the game #Game4Grenfell pic.twitter.com/yWrwdBNtit

— BenchWarmers ⚽️ (@BeWarmers) September 2, 2017

7) Jose Turned The Same Colour As His Shirt

Jose Mourinho went in goal at the #Game4Grenfell 👏 pic.twitter.com/i9uEJu1sy1

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 2, 2017

8) This Girl Got A Selfie With Everyone

What a day ! Meeting my faves ❤️👌🏻 and a great game for a great cause, what more could you want #Game4Grenfell @QPRFC pic.twitter.com/4v0WyyEMjy

— Mollie 👻😜🤘🏻 (@legendbustin) September 2, 2017

Football presenter Chris Kamara said: “For everybody involved, it’s just a way of giving something back.

“For the club to do this for the community is amazing.”

The teams were led by former England strikers Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand.

9) Paul Merson Disgraced Himself Brilliantly

Paul Merson eating a cake on the bench of #Game4Grenfell has got to be the highlight of the match 😂⚽️🍰😂 pic.twitter.com/qRfmAilGW9

— Demi-Lynne🐝🌹 (@demismith70) September 2, 2017

10) There Was A Pitch Invasion

Scenes as Loftus Road is invaded by fans before the penalty shoot out #Game4Grenfell pic.twitter.com/QJKPhlrW7K

— Thomas Hornall (@Thomashornall) September 2, 2017

Ferdinand, who grew up in the area, played football with Grenfell survivor Nicholas Burton as a youngster.

Burton, who escaped from the 19th floor of the burning building, told the Press Association: “We’ve got a lot of old, tragic memories, today’s about making new ones.

“All the families are sitting together. We’ve come together and it’s very important we stay as a family. We’re a family now.”

11) And There Were Plenty Of Moments Like This

So proud to be here at my local club @QPRFC #GameForGrenfell. @MumfordAndSons amazing at half time. #leanonme #community pic.twitter.com/YXYsnskLct

— Ralf Little (@RalfLittle) September 2, 2017

Burton, 50, laid a wreath before the game, saying it was “about remembering the people who have passed”.

He said: “It was very poignant just before the minute’s silence. That really brings it down to earth.

“I just feel grateful and blessed to be here. I lived there for 33 years, when you see the dark, ghostly shell it does bring a sadness in your heart.”

Close

What's Hot