BT Sport gets exclusive for Gerrard testimonal

In a further manifestation of BT Sport’s rapid ascendancy to prominence, the fledgling sports broadcasting arm of the global telecoms firm has announced that it will have exclusive live coverage of England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s testimonial game in the UK and Ireland.

The Liverpool player will be honoured at Anfield on 3 August when Liverpool takes on Olympiacos to mark Gerrard’s one-club career of 630 appearances and 159 goals.

All money raised from the inspirational leader’s testimonial year events, including the testimonial match, will be donated to the Steven Gerrard Foundation, which supports children’s charities in Merseyside and beyond. BT Sport’s payment for exclusive live rights to the match will also be paid directly to the foundation.

“I am delighted that BT Sport will be showing my testimonial live and that this will help to raise more money for the important work of my foundation,” says Gerrard. “It should be a great match and will be a competitive one in preparation for the coming season. I have great memories of the last time we played Olympiacos, when I was fortunate enough to score against them to go through to the knockout stage, on our way to winning the UEFA Champions League in 2004/5.”

Simon Green, head of BT Sport, adds: “We are thrilled to be kicking off our live football coverage on BT Sport with this testimonial for the England captain, who is one of the greatest current players in the game. BT Sport is also delighted that we are able to support Steven in his charitable aims and make a contribution to his foundation, which does valuable work in the community. This testimonial should act as a perfect curtain raiser for the coming season and a first opportunity for football fans to experience what BT Sport will have to offer over the coming years.”