Charity chiefs who wanted to subject football fans to 12 hours of “Tartan Army torment” in the name of cancer research have re-booted the format.
The Arbroath Relay for Life World Cup Challenge was set to put fans through half a day of England’s famous 1966 victory, on repeat.
But organisers have decided that the gruelling marathon was perhaps too much for some, and have asked fans to sit through the game just once, followed by the sweetener of watching the “Wembley Wizards” in 1967, when Scotland beat the champions and claimed the unofficial world title.
Event chairman Ian Angus said there will be one true winner at Friday night’s event – cancer research.
He said: “Though we have a small band of hardy souls who were prepared to sit through 12 hours of Tartan Army torture, it was decided to open it up to others who may not have been able to commit the whole night but still wish to take part in this unique event to raise funds for vital research.
“Kick-off is at 8pm at Arbroath Cricket Club where we will watch a rerun of England’s glory day at Wembley, immediately followed by the game when Scotland went to Wembley to stake their claim as unofficial world champions, becoming the first to beat the World Cup winning side and on their own turf.
“It will be a great night of sporting entertainment and banter all with the added benefit of raising funds for vital research to help bring forward the victory against cancer that we all look forward to.”
Entry is £10 with all proceeds going towards this year’s relay in Arbroath, which takes place on September 17, and more than £21,000 has been raised towards its £87,000 target.
Visit http://relay.cancerresearchuk.org/ for more information, and sponsor forms can be obtained through Mr Angus at ianangus56@gmail.com.
The Wembley Wizards
Scotland travelled to face European Championship qualifying group opponents England on April 11 1967 and came away with a 3-2 victory.
Despite the famous result, which pundits said won Scotland the title of “unofficial world champions”, the team finished the group one point behind England, after a return leg draw and a loss to Northern Ireland.
It would be another seven years before another major tournament qualification.
The 1967 Wembley Wizards starting side is generally regarded as the finest in Scotland history and comprised of: Ronnie Simpson, Eddie McCreadie, Archie Gemmell, John Greig, Ronnie McKinnon, Willie Wallace, Jim Baxter, Billy Bremner, Jim McCalliog, Dennis Law, and Bobby Lennox.
Their opposite numbers were: Gordon Banks, George Cohen, Ray Wilson, Nobby Stiles, Jack Charlton, Bobby Moore, Alan Ball, Jimmy Greaves, Bobby Charlton, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters.
