Jerzy Dudek was the first injury victim during the game between Liverpool’s and Chelsea’s legends at Anfield on Saturday.
The goalkeeper, a hero for Liverpool in Istanbul in 2005, started in between the sticks for the Reds’ veterans but lasted just 15 minutes before having to come off.
Dudek was caught by Chelsea‘s Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as he attempted a long ball out of his hands, and that was enough to end the Pole’s afternoon as he was replaced by Sander Westerveld.
The game between Liverpool and Chelsea is ninth LFC Foundation legends game to take place at Anfield, with the previous eight having raised $9.8 million for charitable causes.
One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from Saturday’s game will support the work of LFC Foundation, as well as supporting beneficiaries – including Forever Reds, Chelsea FC Foundation and Chelsea Players’ Trust.
Ahead of the game, former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch, who started the game on the bench, spoke of his excitement at pulling on a Liverpool jersey again. “It’s unbelievably special. It’s amazing how many ex-players end up supporting the club or want to be a part of the club. It’s something really special,” he said.
“With Forever Reds, you see the players all feel connected and that’s to do with the club obviously looking after the ex-players, but all the players I played with have a connection to Liverpool.
“I certainly do. I know I married a Scouser, which helps, but I definitely have a connection to the club and always will. My boys support Liverpool and I take them to games. They were kind of pushed into it a little bit but they absolutely love it, and I’m very pleased that they do because for me I can now be a part of it.
“It will be massive for me, for my little boy to see me – he missed out, he’s only five – so for him to see me pull on the red shirt again and play at Anfield will be a huge moment for our family.”
