Old Firm reunion: Celtic & Rangers legends bound for Dubai

13:07 04/12/2013
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  • The Old Firm is one of the most heated rivalries in football. The two Glaswegian clubs – Celtic and Rangers – have for decades been trying to get one over on each other.

    The Hoops won the Scottish league nine times in a row, between 1965-66 and 1973-74, but the highlight of this era was most definitely their 1967 European Cup triumph over Inter Milan in Lisbon.

    However, the ‘Gers equaled this tally of consecutive league titles between 1989-1997, before Celtic won it back in 1998, thanks in part to some of the guys you’ll get to rub shoulders with in person next month, including Andy Walker, Peter Grant and Packie Bonner, when they visit the UAE for a special Old Firm gala.

    They’ll no doubt be regaling their favourite stories from the great games, while Andy Goram, Charlie Miller and Richard Gough will be trying to counter these on the Rangers side.

    Other confirmed players for this historic reunion include Joe Miller, Derek Ferguson, Roy Aitken, Dale Gordon and Lorenzo Amoruso.

    So if you’re feeling a little hollow since the Old Firm temporarily disbanded – as if there is something missing from your life – why not organise a few people to come along and enjoy this occasion.

    Rangers were of course banished to the Scottish third division in 2012 after going into administration and the rivalry suddenly feels like a dormant volcano.

    In the meantime, though, we have a chance to rekindle the days when this rivalry was at its greatest, when these greats roll up at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort for the hotel’s hosting of what will no doubt be a fantastic day of entertainment with some of the Old Firm stars of yesteryear on Thursday, November 21.

    The day starts off with a golf challenge and ends with a Black Tie Gala Dinner at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort. Tickets for the dinner are Dh600 per head and you can book a table of 10 for Dh6,000.

    Included in the price is a three-course dinner with beverages, live entertainment and an auction. All the auction money will go to three different charities – the Tommy Burns Cancer fund, Special Needs School in Dubai and Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation. 

    The Master of Ceremonies for the night will be Rob McCaffrey, while Andy Cameron will be the special guest speaker.

    And there will also be an 11-a-side match featuring the legends on the following Friday, with fans invited to come down and cheer on their heroes, free of charge of course.

    Former Celtic defender Derek Whyte, now sporting ambassador with Jebel Ali Resorts, said of the event: “The evening is a great opp-ortunity for fans of the Old Firm, and football supporters in general, to rub shoulders with some of the greats of Celtic and Rangers.

    “The two sides’ rivalry is well documented but to see these guys come together to share their experiences of playing in one of the biggest derbies in the world will be brilliant.

    “With the event due to be held on the beach, the unique setting is sure to make for a wonderful night’s entertainment. Fingers crossed there isn’t a sandstorm!”

    WHAT: Old Firm Gala Dinner WHERE: Jebel Ali Resorts & Hotels WHEN: Thursday, Nov 21, 7.30pm CONTACT: [email protected]

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