A Liverpool versus Republic of Ireland legend's match is set to take place at the Aviva Stadium in April of this year, with the money raised being donated to the Sean Cox Rehabilitation Trust.
Sean suffered life-changing brain injuries last year when he was attacked by travelling supporters outside Anfield prior to Liverpool's Champions League semi-final against Roma, starting what has been a long road for him and his family.
The Meath man was in a coma for three months after the incident, and has continued his road to recovery in Dun Laoighre since returning to Ireland. While he has made wonderful progress over the past couple of months, the fundraising efforts to support his ongoing treatment are still underway.
This match will be a huge boost to the cause, with a number of former pros set to appear on the day. The organisers will be hoping for a packed Aviva Stadium on Friday April 12th, and Sean's wife Martina says it will be a special day:
Sean has been supporting Liverpool all of his life and to have this match in Dublin in his name will be a special day.
It's going to be a very long and slow process for Sean's recovery and I’d like to thank the overwhelming support that Liverpool fans have shown. I’d also like to thank the club, players and those former players who will be playing in the match for their continued support.
We are also working with LFC on a number of other initiatives that will help to support Sean’s care in the years ahead.
The Aviva Stadium will be a fitting venue for the match, with Liverpool having played there in each of the last two pre-seasons. They unveiled a Sean Cox banner on the pitch after the most recent match against Napoli, and FAI CEO John Delaney said this will be a wonderful opportunity for football fans to show their support:
The FAI have been in contact with Sean's family about offering support and this game against Liverpool, who have a strong support base in Ireland, is ideal to help raise funds for the Rehabilitation Trust.
We have a strong relationship with Liverpool, having hosted Jurgen Klopp's team at Aviva Stadium for the last two years in sold-out games against Athletic Club and Napoli. For this game, we will have an Ireland XI led by current Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and it should be a great night for a fantastic cause.
Liverpool have played a part in the fundraising efforts throughout, with bucket collections outside Anfield before a recent Premier League fixture raising over €55,000.
Peter Moore, the Chief Executive Officer at Liverpool FC, had this to say about the charity match:
We’re all behind Sean and his family. We hope this unique Legends game in Ireland’s capital will be a huge success and help generate vital funds to support Sean's rehabilitation.
The solidarity shown from supporters throughout the world for Sean is incredible and we thank everyone for their continued support, including the Football Association of Ireland and its CEO John Delaney, in helping to arrange this game.
Full details of the legends game including the squads, ticket sales and the gala dinner will be announced in the coming weeks.
If you would like to donate to the Sean Cox Rehabilitation Fund, please visit their website here.
