Celtic have announced that they will be donating the money they take in from the club’s charity match against Dunfermline this weekend towards the refugee crisis.
In a statement released on the club’s website, describing the scenes from the crisis as “horrific and heart breaking”, the club cited it’s own beginnings as a reason to help those now most in need.
Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “Having seen the effects of this humanitarian crisis unfold in recent days, we felt as a club we should help in any way we can.
“Celtic was established as a football club to help people in need and this ethos remains a fundamental part of our club almost 130 years after our formation. None of us can understand the true horrors of this situation but as a club we wanted to show our support for those affected.”
Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive of Celtic FC Foundation, said: “This is absolutely the right thing for us to do. Our club was formed by immigrants, many of whom had escaped the devastation of the great famine.
“Celtic was created to offer vital help in a time of need and we feel it is important that we are there again.
“In the coming days we will appoint a third party charity with expertise in this area to ensure the money donated is spent wisely to alleviate the suffering, in the best way possible.”
The Jock Stein 30th Anniversary Charity Match between Dunfermline and Celtic Legends, will take place at East End Park on Sunday, September 6, (KO 2.00pm).
