Yahoo News Arsenal, Chelsea and The FA to donate Community Shield proceeds to Grenfell Tower support fund
Proceeds from the Community Shield will be donated to the Grenfell Tower support fund, it has been confirmed.
The FA, Arsenal, Chelsea and McDonalds – who support the event – hope to raise £1.25million for the victims of the tragedy.
Any fans who will be attending the Community Shield at Wembley will have the opportunity to donate an additional £5 to the fund, should they wish, when purchasing a ticket via the clubs.
In a statement, FA chairman Greg Dyke said: "Like the rest of the country, we were all deeply saddened by the terrible incident at Grenfell Tower. The suffering and loss for those involved is unimaginable.
"Whilst only a football match, we hope that in some small way through the Community Shield we can help. Two great London clubs will come together to play at the city's most famous stadium just a few miles from Kensington. They will be united in their passion for football, grief at this tragic loss and support for their community.
"Football is for all, and we hope that on Sunday 6 August it can in its own way give something back to those who are most in need."
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said: "We believe it is appropriate and timely that the first major football match involving top-flight clubs to take place in our city since the tragedy will be dedicated in such a way to the victims and survivors, and to the enormous number of heroes of the rescue operation, especially given this occasion's long history of being played for the benefit of the wider community and people in need of support."
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: "The club stands side by side with Chelsea in reaching out to the community and expressing our support and solidarity for those who have lost friends and family, their homes and their sense of security in the wake of this tragic event.
"We also pay tribute to our city's emergency services who showed immense courage and bravery. We play the FA Community Shield on Sunday, August 6, with the victims and the heroes of this terrible tragedy close to our hearts."
