Scores join fundraising match in Portsmouth for injured Pompey fan Andrew Bache
Mr Bache, known as Pepe, is in a Marseille hospital following a vicious attack this month.
The 51-year-old is recovering after being hit several times in the head by a Russian thug before England’s opening European Championship game in France.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSince the assault, more than £26,000 has been raised by residents in Portsmouth as well as people around the world, including in Australia, Japan and Canada.
Now Mr Bache’s close friends are hosting a charity football match on Tuesday, June 28, in a bid to boost this figure.
Mr Bache’s long-time pal Crispin Harwood is helping to stage the event at Priory School in Fawcett Road, Southsea.
The 47-year-old, of Southsea, said: ‘We’ve been absolutely blown away by all the support. It’s come from everywhere – Australia, Japan, Canada, the United States – everyone’s helped.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad‘And here in Portsmouth we stick together. When the chips are down people rally round and help. It’s been phenomenal.’
The charity match is taking place from 6pm to 8pm.
It already has 100 players signed up to it and is expected to raise more than £1,000.
It will see two teams – the over-40s and under-40s – going head to head in a friendly game.
Those playing in the match have donated £10.
Crispin, who is managing the over-40s’ squad, added people who just wanted to watch the game could do so by making a donation.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAfter the event a raffle will be held at The Froddington Arms, in Fratton Road.
All the cash will go towards a hardship fund supporting Mr Bache and his family.
To make a donation, visit the fundraising page at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Pepefrompompey.