Alan Shearer claims the trophy once again beating Robbie Savage 547 to 529 in the BBC 5 live ‘Battle of the Five-A-Sides’ for Sport Relief.
Today, Saturday 5th March, BBC and Sport Relief can officially announce that Alan Shearer is the champion of the epic BBC 5 live ‘Battle of the Five-A-Sides’ for Sport Relief, supported by the Premier League. The final whistle was blown this evening in Salford’s MediaCityUK after 57 hours of continuous five-a-side football.
Alan and Robbie went head-to-head once again, following Alan’s win in the ‘Battle of the Backsides’ for Sport Relief 2014. This time round the footballing legends were also joined by Danny Jones, Rachel Riley and Josh Cuthbert, with all five stars each playing 12 hours straight of continuous football through the wind, rain and snow.
Sport Relief’s biggest ever five-a-side football match not only saw Alan and Robbie return to the pitch to play, but also take their place in the dugout to manage a squad of players throughout the three days. Alongside the five stars, over 1,100 players took part in 30 minute games, as part of ‘Team Shearer’ or ‘Team Savage’, to make up 57 hours of continuous football – the equivalent of playing an entire Premier League season for one club.
Robbie was representing BBC Radio 5 live, whilst Alan was taking part on behalf of BBC’s Match of the Day. They were also joined by a rolling cast of well-known names from the world of sport and entertainment including John Bishop, Angus Deayton, Hugh Dennis, and Fatman Scoop, who was sent off with a red card by honorary referee, Manchester United’s Adnan Januzaj. Alan Shearer was also presented his winning trophy by fellow football legend, Gary Lineker, earlier this evening.
The goal of the game was to raise much-needed cash for Sport Relief and as part of its ongoing support for Sport Relief, the Premier League is turning every £1 raised by the public during the event into £5 and they have also donated £30,000 on behalf of ‘Team Shearer’, the winners, and £20,000 on behalf of the ‘Team Savage’. The total so far stands at over £370,592 and is still rising. To support the players and to donate to Sport Relief the public can visit sportrelief.com/fiveaside. The money raised will help make a difference to people living incredibly tough lives, both here at home in the UK and across the world’s poorest communities.
As part of its bigger commitment to funding football facilities throughout the UK, the Premier League also funded the cost of the pitch, which was based just outside BBC North’s headquarters in Salford.
Many different types of football were played during the three day event including men’s, women’s, kids, wheelchair, walking and even crab football.
Alan Shearer commented on his win: “It was quite close at points throughout the 57 hours but Team Shearer came through in the second half off the epic match to pick up the trophy once again! What a three days it has been, thank you to everyone that has played and to the public for donating to Sport Relief – the money raised is going to make a massive difference in the UK and across the world.”
Robbie Savage said: “It has been a challenging but amazing three days, I’m very proud of ‘Team Savage’, there were times when I was sure we’d be taking that trophy home! Thanks to everyone for their amazing support which is what Sport Relief is all about, getting together to raise some cash and feel proud.”
Musician, Danny Jones, commented; “Well that was tougher than I imagined it would be! Between 2-4am was a real struggle but with the help of a 5am pizza snack and the amazing support from the crowd, I got through the last few hours.”
Television presenter, Rachel Riley added; “It was such a pleasure to be involved in this epic football challenge, especially as it was right across the river from Old Trafford! I wasn’t sure at one point that I’d be able to carry on for the full 12 hours but the support from the public has been amazing and helped get me through to the end!”
Musician and model, Josh Cuthbert commented; “The 12 hour stint was incredibly tough and my legs are paying for it now but it was such a great experience – thanks to everyone who has supported so far by donating to this great cause.”
You can donate to Sport Relief by visiting sportrelief.com/fiveaside and if you’ve been inspired by the challenge and want to get involved in Sport Relief yourself head to www.sportrelief.com where you can sign up to the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games and run, walk, swim or cycle yourself proud.
