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Trivia
- The #19 Legends´ Charity Match for Stan Petrov.
- Charity Match in benefit for ex-Celt Stilyan Petrov who has been diagnosed and undergoing treatment for leukaemia.
- Welcome return of Larsson, but surprise inclusion of John Terry (a player for Chelsea unpopular with many fans across football, reasons left for other forums). However, he has been very supportive of Stan so he is at the game on merit. He was comically booed by some sections of the support (unnecessary) but no problems.
- Martin O’Neill and Kenny Dalglish took charge of the teams at the legends’ match to celebrate the career of Stiliyan Petrov.
- An emotional afternoon at Paradise. Applause in the 19th minute of the match for Stiliyan.
- The funds raised helped others across the country facing a similar diagnosis to Stiliyan. In addition, Celtic Charity made a donation to Glasgow NE Foodbank, which will open in September in response to growing levels of food poverty impacting men, women and children across the North and East of the city.
- Teenage girls and funny mummys jump to come to the game due to attendance on field of a teen idol from 'One Direction' (a popular contemporary beat combo). They then sent death threats via twitter to one player on the field for a tackle made on him. Ridiculous! He puked up straight after when he went onto the sidelines.
- Among the other celebrities were John Bishop, who spurned his chance of glory when his penalty was saved by Rab Douglas, while Nicky Byrne, the former Westlife singer, netted a late goal for the Siliyan XI. And actor Warren Brown also got on the scoresheet, scoring for the Hoops in the game. Fellow actors, Stevie Graham and Martin Compston also turned out for the Hoops, while Glasvegas frontman James Allan looked impressive for Stiliyan’s XI.
- Celtic fan Ricky Burns from Coatbridge retained his world title boxing belt after a draw in title match the night before.
Review
Stan Petrov: "Today u showed the world how special u r. Thx for standing by me when I had the hardest time of my life."
Bernie Slaven :"Celtic fans confirm what I've always known. They are the Greatest Good luck to Stan and the 60,000 sell out crowd for today's charity game."
Kenny Daglish: "What a fantastic privilege to be part of a truly emotive day at Celtic Park today. Unbelievable support from the fans for a very brave man."
(CelticElvis of KDS forum)
Just got back from Glasgow and had to, like many that were there, come on here to say what an incredible day it was. I've always been proud to be a Celtic man, always have something Celtic on wherever I go, but it is on occasions like this that you really understand what it is to be part of such a special club. I've just turned fifty and I had two of my daughters with me and like many have said, seeing Stan's kids run onto the field to him, brings home the really important things in life. My kids have rarely seen me in tears and they found it strange to see all the grown men around them in a similar state but they too were carried along with the emotion of it all. Some of the lads on here were talking about the booing but it genuinely was all a bit of fun. I had new glasses with me today and had trouble making out quite a few of the players on the field but there was no mistaking Henrick, he still has the movement as well as the mind of a great footballer. Lubo also performed well I thought and the sight of BoBo diving into a few tackles had me flinching way up in the back of the stand. I spent the match taking the mick out of my youngest daughter, Louie is her favorite but I can confirm that see did not tweet any death threats. She was hoping that the 1D guy would do better than the other boyband participant from Westlife but all he managed to do was throw up. At the end of the day it was all about recognizing the bravery and courage of a Celtic Hero and by God did we do it the Celtic way. Most of us have lost loved ones to that terrible disease and it was great to see a courageous man give it the two fingers, plus with the funds raised many more kids will be able run to their parents arms like we saw today. Finally just saw a clip on the news showing Stiliyan salute the fans and a brief image of an emotional NL as well, fabulous scenes and hopefully somebody on here may be able to post a few videos or images from the day. One last comment, I thought Jackie McNamara was great today I'd re sign him as cover for Izzy!
Teams
CELTIC XI Squad
Tom Boyd
Momo Sylla
Tosh McKinlay
Jackie McNamara
Joos Valgaeren
Bobo Balde
Henrik Larsson
Morten Wieghorst
Chris Sutton
Pierre Van Hooijdonk
Jorge Cadete
Tommy Johnson
Brian McClair
Bobby Petta
Martin Compston
Didier Agathe
Neil Lennon
Rab Douglas
Stevie Graham
Warren Brown
Lubo Moravcik
Johan Mjallby
Louis Tomlinson
STILIYAN XI Squad
Brad Friedel
Radostin Kishishev
Freddie Bouma
Marian Hristov
Richard Dunne
Chris Kamara
Nicky Byrne
Robert Pires
Dimitar Berbatov
Jamie Redknapp
Gabriel Agbonlahor
Hristo Yovov
Paul Lambert
Patrik Berger
Roy Keane
Martin Petrov
Gareth Barry
Stiliyan Petrov
John Bishop
Habib Beye
Carlos Cuellar
John Terry
Shay Given
Referee:
Attendance: 60,000
Articles
- Match Report (see end of page below)
- Audio Report: Paradise Report
Pictures
Forum
Articles
Charity the winner as Paradise pays tribute to Stiliyan
By: Mark Henderson on 08 Sep, 2013 16:14
Siliyan Petrov #19 Legends Charity Match
Celtic Park, Glasgow
Sunday, September 8, 2013
CELTIC XI…3
Larsson 10 pen. Van Hooijdonk 73 Brown 81
STILIYAN XI…5
Berbatov 1, 39, 58 M. Petrov 16, Byrne 89
YET again, Celtic supporters have proved they are special. On a Sunday afternoon in September, a remarkable sell-out crowd of 60,000 gathered in Paradise for a charity match and to salute Stiliyan Petrov.
It is hard to imagine any other football club holding such an extraordinary event, but Celtic fans are proud of their club´s charitable foundations and they never forget their heroes, particularly in times of need.
From the first moment Stan was diagnosed with leukaemia in March 2012, they rallied behind the brave Bulgarian, whose courage and positivity in his fight with such life-threatening illness has simply been inspirational.
Now, thankfully, in remission, this was the Celtic fans´ opportunity to pay tribute to a wonderful footballer and a wonderful person. And that they did.
Players from both sides – a Celtic XI and Stiliyan XI – received a rapturous reception as they entered the pitch but the loudest cheer was reserved for Stiliyan who was accompanied by his children, Stiliyan Jnr and Kristiyan.
As the Bulgarian took the acclaim of the crowd, they burst into a stirring rendition of You´ll Never Walk Alone. It was a poignant and uplifting start to a memorable occasion in Paradise.
In the 19th minute, the referee allowed a pause in proceedings as supporters rose again en mass to applaud the former Hoops midfielder and chant his name.
And once the 30-minute mark was reached it was time to raise the roof again as he exited to the bench to be replaced by English internationalist Gareth Barry.
With five minutes left on the clock, Stan re-entered the fray, this time wearing the Hoops. And at full-time he addressed the Celtic Park faithful to sound his appreciation.
"First, thank you very much, all the support and everything you have done for me throughout my career," he said.
"Today you showed the world how special this place is. You made it special for me, my family and these players and thank you for standing by me."
The main beneficiaries of the event were Stan´s charity foundation and the Trussell Trust, who run Foodbanks across the country. A number of other good causes will also be assisted through the work of Celtic Charity.
Amid the show of support for Stan, there was also an entertaining game of football on show for the capacity crowd to enjoy as a number of the Bulgarian´s former team-mates, high-profile players and celebrities gave up their own time to take part in the contest.
Martin O´Neill and Kenny Dalglish returned to the dugouts for the Celtic XI and Stiliyan XI, respectively, while the likes of Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, Lubo Moravcik, Neil Lennon, Paul Lambert and Johan Mjallby strutted their stuff in Celtic Park once again.
Helped by a hat-trick from English Premier League star, Dimitar Berbatov, it finished 5-3 to the Stiliyan XI. But the main winner on the day was charity. And the star of the show was Stiliyan Petrov.
CELTIC XI: Louis Tomlinson, Tom Boyd, Tosh McKinlay, Jackie McNamara, Joos Valgaeren, Bobo Balde, Henrik Larsson, Morten Wieghorst, Chris Sutton, Pierre Van Hooijdonk, Jorge Cadete, Tommy Johnson, Brian McClair, Bobby Petta, Martin Compston, Didier Agathe, Neil Lennon, Stiliyan Petrov, Rab Douglas, Stevie Graham, Warren Brown, Jordan Sailsman, Lubo Moravcik, Johan Mjallby
STILIYAN XI: Shay Given, Radostin Kishishev, Freddie Bouma, Marian Hristov, Chris Kamara, Nicky Byrne, Robert Pires, Dimitar Berbatov, Jamie Redknapp, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Hristo Yovov, Paul Lambert, James Allan, Martin Petrov, Gareth Barry, Stiliyan Petrov, John Bishop, Habib Beye, Carlos Cuellar, Spencer Matthews, John Terry
Petrov's welcome return nets thousands for charity
Graeme Macpherson
Football Writer
Monday 9 September 2013
Herald
He was denied a goal but that aside this was a good afternoon for Stiliyan Petrov, his charity match in front of a full house at Celtic Park raising thousands of pounds for the Bulgarian's cancer foundation as well as numerous Scottish causes.
Petrov, whose acute leukaemia is now in remission, played the first 32 minutes or so on his return to Celtic Park before being given a second run-out late in the game.
He did not manage the goal normally afforded the protagonists at these affairs but that was secondary to the occasion as a clearly emotional Petrov took a lap of honour with his sons at full-time as 60,000 fans roared their support. "I want to thank you for standing by me through the hardest time of my life," he told the crowd. "You made today special for me, my family and all the players here."
The match itself was played at a pace that could be kindly described as leisurely and in a spirit that bordered on Corinthian. Not everyone got the memo, however, with Bobo Balde careering into the sort of wholehearted challenges that were the trademark of his Celtic career. One early rattle into the back of Robert Pires left the Frenchman checking both legs were still intact, while another challenge on Dimitar Berbatov drew a trademark scowl from the Fulham man.
Not even the surprise admission that he has been a bhoy since he was a boy prevented John Terry from getting booed throughout the game, presumably to the relief of Carlos Cuellar who, despite being a former Rangers player, seemed to avoid the catcalls. Terry almost scored the goal of the game, striking the base of the post with a shot from his own half.
The volume of booing was nothing compared to the ear-splitting shrieks that welcomed One Direction's Louis Tomlinson on to the pitch as a first-half substitute, the pop singer arriving just in time to prevent an army of prepubescent and teenage girls storming the dug-out to ask why manager Martin O'Neill had not put on their favourite yet. Tomlinson did not stay on for long, however, and Gabriel Agbonlahor may find a fatwa declared on him this morning for the bone-crunching tackle that brought a premature end to little Louis' afternoon, the singer pausing only long enough to be sick at the side of the pitch before hobbling up the tunnel.
Here was further proof that nostalgia never gets old. The returning heroes in the Celtic XI m anaged by O'Neill were all welcomed warmly back into the fold, none more so than Henrik Larsson, whose movement and touch might have alerted a few SPFL Premiership teams still looking for a striker. The Swede saw a lob just miss the target, scored a penalty, then had a second 'goal' ruled out early in the second half. The Petrov XI had the distinct advantage that many of their squad are still actively playing or not long retired.
Berbatov simply oozed class, scoring within 40 seconds, adding a second before the half was out, then completing a hat-trick in the second half. Against ageing and tiring Celtic legs, it almost seemed a bit cruel. Throw in Terry, Gareth Barry, Agbonlahor, Cuellar, and Martin Petrov, who also scored, and it was very much a case of men against much older men.
The old men, though, did all right. Rab Douglas saved comedian John Bishop's penalty, and Pierre van Hooijdonk and Warren Brown made it 4-3, before singer Nicky Byrne concluded the scoring at 5-3 with a low shot past Douglas.
One Direction's Louis Tomlinson to get Gabriel Agbonlahor apology
BBC
9 September 2013 Last updated at 10:16
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is to apologise for the tackle on Louis Tomlinson that left the One Direction singer sick on the touchline.
The pair were playing in a charity match at Celtic Park organised by former footballer Stiliyan Petrov.
"It was one of those things," said Agbonlahor. "I'll apologise to Louis when we meet up.
"I know he enjoyed playing in the game and it's fantastic that he took time out to be here."
Louis Tomlinson struggles on the sidelines at Celtic Park
Tomlinson was left struggling on the sidelines at Celtic Park following the tackle
Agbonlahor, who was a team-mate of Petrov's at Aston Villa, received abuse from One Direction fans on Twitter after the game for the tackle.
Tomlinson this season signed for his local club Doncaster Rovers on a non-contract basis to play reserve games after impressing in another charity match.
Boy band One Direction last year became the first British group to debut on top of the Billboard 200 list when their Up All Night album sold more than 175,000 copies during the first week of release in the United States.
They have recently been promoting their own movie and fragrance, with their third album due out in late November, but the singer's football injury should not affect tour plans as their next concert is not scheduled until May 2014, in Dublin.
Tomlinson's participation, along with Westlife singer Nicky Byrne and other celebrities, helped boost the attendance to a capacity 60,000 in Glasgow for a game organised to raise money for the Stiliyan Petrov Cancer Foundation, set up by the former Bulgaria international who retired in May having been diagnosed with leukaemia in 2012.
But the 21-year-old's appearance, with the number 1D on the back of his shirt, ended prematurely when he was left hobbling from a tackle and was sick on the sidelines as he was substituted.
Martin O'Neill, the former Aston Villa and Celtic manager who was his boss for the day, said: "Agbonlahor smashed into him and he picked himself up and then was ill in the dressing-room area, but he's not too bad now I think.
"He had to rush off, but I think he's fine.
"He doesn't know where he is, but he's fine. He was genuinely ill, but he's OK now."
Actor Martin Compston also took part and said he was glad he was not on the receiving end of any heavy tackles.
Nicky Byrne and Gabriel Agbonlahor celebrate
Westlife's Byrne (left) scored for the Stiliyan Petrov XI at Celtic Park
"I was feeling a bit rough before the game, but everyone put an arm round me and I think I fared a wee bit better than the guy from One Direction by the look of it," said the Celtic fan.
"I've never seen Agbonlahor tackle anyone in my life, but he went fair through the wee boy because, when he walked off, he looked in a bit of a state.
"I hope he's all right, but I'm sure his management were worried."
Byrne scored for the Stiliyan Petrov XI, who won 5-3 thanks to a hat-trick from Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov and another from former Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City midfielder Martin Petrov.
Actor Warren Brown scored for Tomlinson's Celtic XI along with former Hoops strikers Henrik Larsson and Pierre van Hooijdonk.
Martin O'Neill: I have enormous respect for Stiliyan
By: Mark Henderson on 08 Sep, 2013 20:13
MARTIN O´Neill has come to expect the extraordinary from the Celtic fans but even he was amazed by their incredible show of support for Stiliyan
Petrov this afternoon.
A sell-out crowd packed into the Paradise to pay tribute to the Bulgarian who has shown enormous courage in his recent battle with life-threatening illness.
The Irishman was back in the dugout managing a Celtic XI while Kenny Dalglish took charge of a Stiliyan XI. Both sides included a number of Stan´s former team-mates at Celtic and Aston Villa, high-profile footballers and celebrities. All were keen to take part.
Stiliyan´s charity foundation, the Trussell Trust, who run Foodbanks across the country, and several other good causes through Celtic Charity will benefit from the occasion.
It was a memorable day for the former Celtic and Aston Villa favourite and Martin O´Neill felt he was thoroughly deserving of such a touching tribute.
"Stiliyan asked me a number of weeks ago that he was helping to organise a game here at Celtic," he said. "I thought it was a fantastic idea and I am just astonished at the reception. I really shouldn’t be, but it was absolutely fantastic, and he deserved it.
"When I came here first of all, Stiliyan had been here about a year. He was excellent for me. After a while, I took him down to Aston Villa and even though he had a magnificent debut against West Ham, he had a difficult time there for a while.
"It looked as though it might not work out but he fought through it as he has done his career and came out the other side and he´s revered down at Villa as well now.
"I can´t really speak much more about him other than I have enormous respect for him. His generosity in every aspect of life is phenomenal – it really is. The players at Villa had great time for him as well."
The former Celtic and Aston Villa boss, like the entire football world, was stunned on first hearing of Stiliyan´s diagnosis with leuakemia. And he was full of admiration by the bravery he showed as he fought the illness.
"I had seen Stiliyan a number of times and he wasn´t in great shape," said the Irishman. "He was fighting strongly and, of course, I knew the professor he was working with him at the time. I knew he was in very good hands and had to battle through it.
"First of all, you are not expecting someone as fit as he was, in a sport he was involved in, to be struck down in the manner in which he was. It came rather suddenly.
"One day it looked as though he was feeling tired and the next day he was feeling tired and the next day he was being diagnosed with cancer. It´s tough to take that in and then going through the treatments.
"No doubt, there was many a moment when he was very badly down. But he came through it. He has a great family behind him and the medical staff were terrific as well.
"He´s had lots of support and I think that was very important to him. He said that himself and here today, it just manifested itself. It was phenomenal."
King Kenny: A fitting tribute to Stan
By: Mark Henderson on 08 Sep, 2013 17:44
KENNY Dalglish believes the incredible show of support that Stiliyan Petrov received in Paradise today was a fitting tribute to a courageous and inspirational person.
A sell-out crowd in Celtic Park turned up to pay tribute to the brave Bulgarian following his recent fight with leukaemia in a friendly between a Celtic XI and a Stiliyan XI, who were managed by King Kenny.
In front of a carnival atmosphere, charity was the main winner as a number of good causes benefited including Stan´s own charity foundation and the Trussell Trust.
Many other good causes will also be assisted through the work of Celtic FC Foundation – the club´s charity.
And speaking after the match, the Celtic legend said: "Stiliyan served here for seven years and they appreciated everything he did for them, as they do for everyone who comes along and try their best for the football club. The turnout today was fantastic and a fitting tribute to a very brave man.
"I think everybody enjoyed it. The support he got from Aston Villa when he was there and since he has come back up to Celtic has been unbelievable.
"The reception in the game was a fitting tribute to a very strong man who is an example to everyone else who gets bad news.
"There was hardly anybody who left the crowd. They were there until time up to applaud him and greet him, and obviously their sentiments are echoed by everybody.
"He´s inspirational for what he´s gone through. He´s never moaned or complained. He´s tried his best to get on with it. He´s a man of tremendous courage and determination, and everybody hopes it pays off for him.
"Sometimes footballers are much maligned but you couldn’t point anything at Stiliyan other than complimentary statements.
"Every time there is someone at this football club that gets a bit of bad news. The support from the fans and the club has always been the same."
One Direction fans send Gabby Agbonlahor death threats after injuring Louis Tomlinson in charity game
8 Sep 2013 16:34
'Directioners' certainly weren't feeling too charitable when they took to Twitter to shower the Aston Villa striker with vile abuse
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor was the subject of death threats and shocking abuse from One Direction fans after injuring band member Louis Tomlinson.
The pair were playing in Stiliyan Petrov's game for charity at Celtic Park when the 26-year-old forward tackled the singer.
It was a fair challenge from the Villa man, but Tomlinson was injured and his notoriously, er, over-excited fans took to Twitter to send Agbonlahor abuse and threats -even though the account in question appears to be a fake.
@gabby_10 This guy hurt Louis knee. I shall hurt your face. I better hear that you apologized or I will find you, and I will kill you.
— #Ella (@Omg_Its_Ella) September 8, 2013
@gabby_10 i will chop your balls off
— louis tomlinson (@zaynoreos_) September 8, 2013
One fan told Agbonlahor she would "chop his balls off," while another threatened to kill him if he didn't apologise.
@gabby_10 DON'T EVER TOUCH LOUIS AGAIN WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE
— colleen (@mcluvinswag) September 8, 2013
On leaving the pitch, the boyband star then vomited – further provoking the ire of his loyal band of internet abusers.
A Petrov XI beat a Celtic XI 5-3 in the end, with Dimitar Berbatov netting a hat-trick for his former international team-mate's side.
Henrik Larsson scored for the hosts, while Jamie Redknapp, John Terry and Robert Pires were among the special guests to feature.
Watch: Gabriel Agbonlahor injures One Direction's Louis Tomlinson.
Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/gabriel-agbonlahor-tackles-louis-tomlinson-2260599#ixzz2eOWyJH9F
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Paradise the only direction for ID's Louis
By: Newsroom Staff on 08 Sep, 2013 16:10 IT was a special day at Paradise today at a sell-out crowd gathered to celebrate Stiliyan Petrov. And as well as a host of Celtic legends, many of whom are friends and former team-mates of Stan’s, many celebrities took part.
The main celebrity focus of the pre-match crowd was One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, with many of the band’s fans gathered outside the front of the stadium for a glimpse of their idol.
And wearing a special ‘1D’ Hoops jersey, Louis got a warm welcome when he came on as a substitute in the first-half.
The One Direction star was delighted to give up his time and come along to Celtic Park for the #19 Legends’ Charity Match.
And he, along with everyone who took part, helped to make it a very special Celtic occasion.
Among the other celebrities were John Bishop, who spurned his chance of glory when his penalty was saved by Rab Douglas, while Nicky Byrne, the former Westlife singer, netted a late goal for the Siliyan XI.
And actor Warren Brown also got on the scoresheet, scoring for the Hoops in the game. Fellow actors, Stevie Graham and Martin Compston also turned out for the Hoops, while Glasvegas frontman James Allan looked impressive for Stiliyan’s XI.
How Celtic have set the benchmark for honouring football heroes with Stiliyan Petrov's charity match
12 Sep 2013 15:56
Daily Mirror
James Nursey says the outpouring of love, support and admiration for Petrov was totally genuine and unscripted – and sets a high bar for future games
An emotional Stilyan Petrov in the 19th minute of the game after the referee stopped play in the charity football match for a minute's applause An emotional Stilyan Petrov in the 19th minute of the game after the referee stopped play in the charity football match for a minute's applause
Rex
Whether it is your team losing, bad refereeing decisions or the latest controversial behaviour by a big-earning player, the high passions sparked by football can leave ardent fans regularly despairing.
There are certainly precious few occasions where every single person in a packed stadium leaves uplifted, happy, inspired and positive.
Yet those were the precise emotions I and 60,000 other fans, players and officials felt as we left Celtic Park on Sunday night.
I am very glad I made the effort for Stiliyan Petrov's charity match – and to visit Celtic Park for the first time – as it was a educational and memorable experience.
To put simply, Celtic put on a heck of a show.
But the outpouring of love, support and admiration for Petrov was totally genuine and unscripted.
The A-list turnout of names including John Terry, Martin O'Neill, Kenny Dalglish, Paul Lambert, Henrik Larsson, Jamie Redknapp, Gareth Barry, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Co is testimony to Petrov's popularity among peers.
Numerous stars from all his clubs at Celtic, Aston Villa and from Bulgaria were well represented following Petrov's high-profile battle with Leukaemia.
Agbonlahor's crunching challenge on One Direction's Louis Tomlinson (and the pop star's subsequent vomiting) may have generated many headlines in the Celtic XI versus a Stiliyan XI charity match, but Petrov was rightly actually the centre of attention.
It left the ace and his family in tears at the end when Petrov did an emotional lap of honour around the pitch.
It was incredible the huge, genuine warmth Celtic continue to show Petrov despite him leaving seven years ago to join Villa.
It all started on the Saturday night with a sell-out dinner for Petrov at Celtic Park to around 400 punters.
I was kindly invited by sponsors Vibe, a British audio company .
The evening got off the flyer with tributes on the big-screen including this incredible You-tube music video from a group of young Thais who are funded by Celtic.
Their adapted version of: 'Stan(d) by your man' is well worth watching.
Organisers put it in context by explaining Celtic's origins as a club for impoverished children set-up by Brother Walfrid.
This heritage and charitable ethos remains today and underpins the 'Celtic family' values.
As the evening wore on, Petrov was lauded by his hospital consultant, who said it was a "privilege" to know him.
While his old Villa boss O'Neill cited Petrov's character to establish himself at the club following a difficult start and his generosity as skipper when he regularly quietly bought tickets for team-mates' families to make up any shortfall.
Barry also spoke to emphasis Petrov's friendly manner and personality which have made him so popular with team-mates and fans.
Petrov rounded off the evening by taking to the mic himself to answer a Q&A from the floor on his career.
John Terry plays in the Stiliyan Petrov Charity Football Match John Terry plays in the Stiliyan Petrov Charity Football Match
Throughout it all, humble Petrov displayed no ego and was quick to thank both his family and doctors for getting him through.
It was a tremendous feel-good event but everyone, including Petrov in particular, were truly blown away by the Celtic fans (plus a few from Villa) at the crowd on Sunday.
Most fans I saw had either a commemorative Petrov scarf, flag or programme.
They sang his name and that of other returning Celtic legends like Larsson for much of the afternoon.
Petrov received standing ovations from the entire 60,000-strong crowd THREE times: before, during (in the 19th minute) and after the game.
And when Petrov told the crowd post-match after the televised clash: "You showed the world how special this place is", it really was no exaggeration.
It was a fantastic weekend and hopefully will inspire Aston Villa to stage their own version in 2014 to raise more vital cash for Petrov's fund supporting Leukaemia charities.
Petrov's huge popularity and respect will ensure another healthy turnout of both players and fans so really you just need a time and a place to stage it which hopefully Villa can provide.