AS we look ahead to the seven-in-row champions’ opening league match of the new SPFL season this Saturday, Flag Day will see the welcome return of a true fans’ favourite, Stiliyan Petrov, as the former Hoops midfielder will grace the Paradise pitch at half-time to speak of his upcoming charity match.

‘A Match for Cancer’, sponsored by Dafabet, will take place at Celtic Park on Saturday, September 8, 2018 (KO: 2pm) – and will see Stiliyan and Liverpool midfielder, James Milner pull together opposing squads from the worlds of football and entertainment.

Every penny raised will be devoted to tackling cancer through three equal beneficiary charities – Celtic FC Foundation, The Stiliyan Petrov Foundation and The James Milner Foundation.

Stiliyan, who has bravely battled through leukaemia since being diagnosed in 2012, is quick to highlight the support received from the Celtic family.

He said: “The support that my family and I have received from the Celtic fans over these past few years has been truly amazing, I cannot thank them enough.

“When we held the #19 Legends charity match back in 2013 to help raise funds for my Foundation, they came in their numbers and showed the world how special this place is and how special the Celtic support is.

“The reception that my family and I received that day was absolutely incredible and the Celtic support have continued to give me just as warm a welcome every time I see them.”

He is looking forward to enjoying the Celtic Park atmosphere once again, as the Hoops begin their 2018/19 league campaign, adding: “It’s always great to come back to Celtic Park and Flag Day promises to be a great occasion as always.

“I’m sure it will be a full house and I can’t wait to get out in front of the fans again to speak about A Match for Cancer. Our goal from this match is to help children and adults with cancer – and their families – to tackle the journey through diagnosis and treatment towards what we hope will be a positive outcome. It is a very special cause.”

Ahead of Saturday’s match with Livingston (KO 3pm), Stiliyan will also make appearances at both the Kerrydale Bar and the Number 7 Restaurant at Celtic Park, to speak to guests about the charity match.

Tickets for ‘A Match for Cancer’ are now on general sale, on a first come first served basis – maximum of 10 per person – priced at £14 for adults and £6 for concessions*. 

Tickets are available to purchase online at www.celticfc.net, by calling 0871 226 1888** or by visiting the Celtic Ticket Office. The lower tier will be on sale in the first instance and Rail Seating does not apply to this match.

Premium tickets (£30) and corporate packages (£135) are also available by calling 0871 226 1888** (Option 4) or emailing [email protected] 

Celtic FC Foundation will also be hosting a fundraising dinner – An Evening with Petrov and Milner – the night before the match, on Friday, September 7. This will take place in the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park.

Joining Stiliyan and James on the night will be a host of representatives from both charity match squads. Guests will enjoy an excellent three-course meal, auction, prize draw and after-dinner entertainment, in the company of a number of football and celebrity greats. The age limit is 18+.

Tickets are priced at £700 for a table of 10 or £70 per person and can booked via email [email protected] or telephone 0141 551 4321.

Mirroring the match, net proceeds of the dinner will be devoted to tackling cancer through Celtic FC Foundation (SC024648), The Stiliyan Petrov Foundation (1154131) and The James Milner Foundation (1146768).

* Concessions 65+/Under 16s.

** Calls cost 13p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. Booking fees apply online and via our sales line.