BT Sport is to screen live coverage of the ‘Celebration of the 96’ charity match at Anfield on Easter Monday, April 21.
The special commemorative match sees a local and international Liverpool legends XI take to the field, managed by Kenny Dalglish and Gerard Houllier respectively.
A top line-up of former Liverpool stars have agreed to appear in the match that celebrates the 96 people who lost their lives at Hillsborough 25 years ago.
These include BT Sport pundits Michael Owen David James and Steve McManaman, as well as the likes of club legends Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Peter Beardsley, Jan Molby, Luis Garcia and John Barnes.
The event was planned by the Hillsborough Family Support Group (HFSG) with support from Liverpool FC.
All proceeds generated from this special day at Anfield will be split between the HFSG and the club’s charity, the Liverpool FC Foundation.
There will also be a community football session on the pitch involving first-team players, as well as Academy and Ladies squads.
At half-time, there will be a celebrity penalty shoot-out with famous Reds fans such as comedians John Bishop and Russell Howard stepping up to the spot.
Following BT Sport’s live coverage of the match, a special edition of The Clare Balding Show will also be broadcast live from Anfield.
The presenter will be joined by special guests Daniel Sturridge, Ian Rush and comedian John Bishop, plus a host of other Liverpool legends who took part in the charity match.
Simon Green, head of BT Sport, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Hillsborough Family Support Group and the Liverpool FC Foundation.
“This will be a very emotional occasion for everyone at Anfield on April 21 and for all the fans watching at home with BT Sport.
“While the event commemorates one of the blackest days in the modern history of football, the HFSG want this to be a celebration of the lives of the fans that died that day.
“Some of the greatest players to have worn the red shirt will be taking to the field.”
BT Sport has made a donation to the fund to support the families, and viewers at home will also be able to donate via BT’s MyDonate charity fundraising platform.
Margaret Aspinall, chair of the HFSG, said: “We wanted to host an event to celebrate the lives of the 96 and give people the opportunity to come to Anfield for a fun afternoon.
“We’ve decided to split the proceeds with LFC’s Foundation, so it will not only support the families, but also support future generations within the Liverpool community.
“It’s great to see the current and former Liverpool players showing their support in numbers and I hope a lot of people will come along to join us on the day.”
Kenny Dalglish added: “This is a great opportunity for the families and fans to come together at Anfield for a celebration in honour of the 96.
“Everyone here at Liverpool Football Club is behind this event and it is also great to see so many former players travelling in to make this a special day.”
Live coverage of the ‘Celebration of the 96’ charity match starts on BT Sport 1 this Easter Monday, April 21, at 1.30pm, with the match kicking off at 2.00pm.
It will also be broadcast live on Liverpool FC’s official club channel LFC TV – free-to-view on Sky, Virgin and online – with coverage starting at 12.45pm, featuring the full programme of events and pre-match entertainment surrounding the event.
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Monday 21st April
Celebration of the 96: Legends v International XI – Kick-off: 14:00
LIVE: 1.30pm-4.00pm BT Sport 1 / 12.45pm-5.00pm LFC TV
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The Clare Balding Show: Anfield Special
LIVE: 4.00pm-5.00pm BT Sport 1
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