Going Out: Rivalries are renewed at DDF Football Legends

Denzil Pinto 13:33 22/10/2015
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  • Leading light: John Barnes.

    Some of the biggest names in the pantheon of great footballers descend on Dubai this weekend.

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    Legends like John Barnes and Viv Anderson will be on show displaying their supreme talents, while there will also be an opportunity to meet the stars, too.

    Barnes and Anderson will don the Liverpool and Manchester United shirts, and will be joined by ex-Rangers defender Colin Hendry and Celtic’s Regi Blinker as the four clubs battle for honours in Friday's Dubai Duty Free Football Legends tournament from 19:00.

    A total of 24 players will be in action in the five-a-side event with the top two from the round-robin stage advancing to the final. For what promises to be an exciting evening, fans at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium are in for a treat.

    Barnes, who won two league titles and FA Cups at Anfield, can call upon Liverpool team-mates Patrik Berger and Champions League winner Vladimir Smicer.

    Anderson, who became the first black player to represent England and enjoyed a strong career at Old Trafford, will lead a Manchester United side featuring 1999 treble winner David May, Clayton Blackmore, Lee Martin, Nick Culkin and Russell Beardsmore.

    Big name: Vennegoor of Hesselink.

    But the English sides will face stern competition from their Scottish counterparts. factfile Former Scotland captain Hendry, who won the domestic treble with Rangers in 1999, headlines a strong Rangers side including striker Michael Mols, Alex Rae, Neil Murray, Charlie Miller and Marvin Andrews.

    Blinker, who scored nine times in his 47 appearances at Parkhead, will be among the Celtic players as well as Joe Miller, striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Rudi Vata and David Elliott.

    With more than 350 international caps between them, the competition will certainly be exciting as they roll back the years that made them illustrious figures at their respective clubs. And Barnes, who made 314 appearances during his 10-year stay at Anfield, is looking forward to showcasing his skills.

    “I cannot wait to step back on that pitch in Dubai,” said Barnes. “Liverpool against Manchester United and Rangers against Celtic are two of the biggest rivalries in the world of football, and you can be sure that none of these players like to lose. So, the competitiveness will still be there for all to see.

    “This is a great event to bring to Dubai as I know all these four clubs are extremely popular over there, so it is a chance for football fans to get up close and personal with us.”

    Before that, you can get a meet the legends (apart from Barnes) yourself free on Thursday from 19:00 at the Irish Village in Dubai.

    John Clayman, of DPM Event Management, said: “It will be a vibrant atmosphere with not only meeting the stars but seeing the players in action on the field.”

    Tickets start from Dh150 and can be purchased at Virgin Tickets, TixBox, Platinum List and Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium Box Office. Children under 16 will be given free entry, providing they are with an adult, who has purchased a ticket.
     

    VENUE: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
    WHAT: Dubai Duty Free Football Legends Tournament and Meet and Greet
    WHEN: Tournament on Friday from 19:00 (Gates open at 17:00). Meet and Greet at Irish Village on Thursday from 19:00.
    Sport360 VERDICT: Expect a vibrant atmosphere and be ready for a great evening of football.
    CONTACT: For more information, call 04 239 5000 or search ‘DDF Football Legends’ on Facebook.

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