TOMMY BURNS TRIBUTE MATCH LIVE ON BBC ALBA
A special charity match being hosted by Celtic to celebrate the life of Tommy Burns will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA this Sunday, 31 May, kick-off 2pm.
The match will see the current Celtic First team take on the Tommy Burns Select team which will include a host of former Celtic stars who played with Tommy, as well as those who were managed and coached by him throughout his career.
Kick-off starts at 2pm with coverage from BBC ALBA’s sports team commencing at 1.45pm which will include a pre-match fans feature as well as half time interviews with some of Tommy’s former team mates.
The Tommy Burns Select team will be managed by Lisbon Lions captain Billy McNeill and will made up of members from the 1988 Celtic Centenary team including Peter Grant, Derek Whyte, Joe Miller, Andy Walker and Packie Bonner, with Paul McStay as assistant manager. Other members of the team will include Tommy’s team mates from the early 80’s, Murdo MacLeod, and George McCluskey and additional players will include Neil Lennon, John Hartson and Paul Lambert.
Those who played under Tommy during his time as Celtic manager will pay tribute to Tommy including Tom Boyd, Simon Donnelly, Pierre van Hooijdonk, Alan Stubbs, Tommy Johnson and Tosh McKinlay. Jonathan Burns, Tommy’s son, will also be taking part in the game.
BBC ALBA is a partnership service between BBC Scotland and MG ALBA. BBC ALBA is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110.
Alan Esslemont, head of content for BBC ALBA, said: “The line up for Sunday’s Tommy Burns Tribute match is absolutely terrific and is testament to what Tommy had to offer both on and off the pitch. I am delighted that BBC ALBA is providing live coverage of what is shaping up to be a very exciting day at Celtic Park.”
Peter Lawwell, Celtic Chief Executive said: “Everyone at the Club is looking forward immensely to the Tommy Burns Tribute match, as we honour the life and contribution of Tommy, one of Celtic’s greatest sons. It is sure to be a fantastic event as we pay tribute to a man who served the Club with distinction and someone who is still missed dearly by us all.”
“We are very grateful to BBC ALBA for all their support in broadcasting this match live and ensuring great profile for such an important event.”
BBC ALBA has provided a comprehensive football package throughout the year broadcasting ‘as-live’ SPL matches on Saturday nights, three live televised First Division Football matches, live coverage of the SFL First Division play-off matches, as well as live coverage of the Women’s Unite Scottish Cup Final.
The tribute match will benefit the Burns family with donations also being made by the family to the Celtic Charity Fund and the Tommy Burns Skin Cancer Trust, established by Tommy’s daughters.
Tickets are still available, priced £15 for adults and £5 for concessions, please visit www.celticfc.net for more information.