55,000 fans came along to Parkhead last night for John Kennedy's tribute game to see legend Henrik Larsson turn the clock back to grab a hat-trick for the Celtic legends side against their Manchester United counterparts. Bobby Petta was not that far behind with two in the 6-3 win. However, the game was irrelevant with charity being the biggest winner. The monies generated were bolstered by Kennedy, who had to quit the game through injury, generously donating his share of the gate to Oxfam's East Africa Appeal.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell hailed the fans and said: "I would like to pay tribute to our supporters. No other club could have 55,000 supporters here, putting their hands in their pocket for a fantastic cause. We have said so much about the Celtic support but it is a unique club, it is very special and tonight shows what the club is all about and I am very proud to be part of it. It was a fantastic night for the club and for the people who need the money most." Lawwell was equally praiseworthy of Kennedy, saying: "It is a measure of the man that he has donated his portion of the gate to charity. He is man of tremendous potential and we haven't see the last of him."
Former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, who was in charge of the United side, also praised the supporters. He said: "This is a special club. It's made up of the people who run it and support it and it doesn't get any better."