Newcastle and Milan legends turn out for Steve Harper's charity testimonialSunderland boss Paolo Di Canio on pantomime villian duties steals the show 
Misty-eyed Newcastle fans packed St James’ Park last night as the greats who came within a whisker of winning the title made a nostalgic return.Geordie fans paid homage to the legends including Alan Shearer, Rob Lee, Les Ferdinand, Peter Beardsley and Tino Asprilla as Steve Harper’s charity testimonial attracted a remarkable 50,793 punters.But there was an unlikely star of the show, as
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio turned in a man-of-the-match performance for Milan Glorie, to be the pantomime villain of the evening.Di Canio was so silky in his movement and ball control that it appeared he could do worse that pick himself
to face Arsenal on Saturday.Only QPR midfielder Joey Barton could stop Di Canio with a popular foul, raking down his calf!
Di Canio gestured as if he’d been hit by a bird dropping, and even the jeers were in good spirits.
There was a celebratory atmosphere at St James’ Park as the troubles and division of recent years under Mike Ashley were forgotten, and old memories rekindled.
It was a timely reminder of the affection and standing the supporters still have for previous players.
Shearer led the line alongside Ferdinand and Asprilla’s rubber legs conjured an overhead kick.
Andy Cole was honoured with the “he gets the ball he scored a goal, Andy, Andy Cole,” song, a favourite in the Kevin Keegan era.
And lesser know heroes of that age, Darren Peacock, John Beresford and Keith Gillespie, all scampering about as if it was 1996.
It is 17 years since Keegan’s Newcastle side blew a big lead to be pipped for the title by Manchester United, and it showed in some of the waist-lines.
Two decades of good living have taken their toll on winger David Ginola for instance. But the respect and admiration for these Tyneside favourites was undimmed.
It wasn’t easy playing against the legends in the Milan side.
Paolo Maldini, 904 appearances for AC, looked like he was still a full time pro, and Franco Baresi was commanding at centre half.
Harper spent 17 years at Newcastle leaving in the summer for Hull City.He was determined to leave a lasting legacy, and proceeds from the game went to the Newcastle United Foundation, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation
and the Great North Children’s hospital.There was an emotional moment when the late Gary Speed’s sons Ed and Tommy came on as substitutes
and did their father proud.More recent Newcastle favourites also turned out including Barton and Kevin Nolan, who helped United back into the top flight
after their relegation season.The closest either side came to scoring was when Cole hit the post and the game was settled by a penalty shoot out.
Just like 17 years ago, the Newcastle legends couldn't quite get it over the line and were defeated when Barton's penalty was saved.
Harper said:
“It has been an honour to put this together and play with some of the greatest players ever.”As the banner near the Gallowgate End read: “Thanks for 20 great years Harper. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/steve-harper-testimonial-newcastle-milan-2267895 
Teams:Newcastle United Legends: (4-4-2): Steve Harper (Shay Given 25, Pavel Srnicek 60); Nolberto Solano (Steve Watson 52, Steve Stone 72), Darren Peacock (Brian Kilcline 52, Olivier Bernard 73), Nikos Dabizas, John Beresford (Alessandro Pistone 35); Ruel Fox (Keith Gillespie 35, Paul Kitson 67), Lee Bowyer (Joey Barton 60), Rob Lee (Nicky Butt 35, Kevin Nolan 60, Ed Speed 75), David Ginola (Scott Sellars 52, Alan Thompson 67); Alan Shearer (Peter Beardsley 46, Tommy Speed 75), Les Ferdinand (Faustino Asprila 20, Andrew Cole 46)Subs not used: n/a
AC Milan Glorie: Sebastiano Rossi (Massimo Taibi 41); Giuseppe Pancaro (Pietro Vierchowod 51), Giuseppe Favalli, Franco Baresi (Roberto Mussi 42), Paolo Maldini; Massimo Oddo (Ibrahim Ba 51), Alessandro Costacurta, Mark Van Bommel (Roberto Lorenzini 79), Gianluigi Lentini (Daniele Massaro 51); Paolo Di Canio, Maurizio Ganz (Christian Lantignotti 41)Sub not used: Angelo Carbone
Attendance: 50,793[ 此帖被羅力亞在2013-09-12 17:03重新編輯 ]
