What a fantastic gesture by Greece and former Celtic striker Georgios Samaras. This is just brilliant.
We’re not quite sure if the Greek national team have a particularly big following in these parts, but one young Celtic fan in Armagh has been supporting them throughout the World Cup as fervently as we would cheer on the Boys in Green, paying special attention to the fortunes of one player in particular.
Celtic fans might remember the touching sight of striker Georgios Samaras carrying 11-year old Jay Beatty on a lap of honour around Celtic Park to celebrate the Hoops’ title success last season – Neil Lennon also gave Jay his title-winning medal – and the pair, who originally met when Celtic played a friendly match in Ireland, have maintained a friendship since.
Footage of Jay – who has Down’s Syndrome – following Samaras’ fortunes at the World Cup have been doing the rounds on social media of late and nobody was happier to see the man himself secure Greece’s passage to the last 16 with a dramatic last-minute penalty to secure victory over the Ivory Coast earlier this week.
Samaras recorded a special video message to thank Jay for his support and not only that, on the back of a Facebook campaign started by Greek fans who have taken Jay to their hearts, he helped persuade the Greek FA to organise a trip for Jay to go over to Brazil to watch the last 16 clash with Costa Rica this weekend.
http://youtu.be/ro3Oa074NTI
“This boy gives me so much strength, it’s incredible,” Samaras said.
“There are no words. I feel his love so much. This love I feel, is also felt by many people in Greece. There’s a Facebook page for him to come to Brazil.”
“This morning, in a talk I had with the head of the EPO, we said we will arrange his tickets to come and watch the match with Costa Rica. Well will talk with the boy’s father, we’ll tell him about everything and we’ll see.”
What a fantastic story; we think we’ve something in our eye. Those damn onions!
UPDATE: Unfortunately, Jay and his family were unable to take Georgios up on the offer as they were off on their family holiday. Jay’s Dad Martin posted the following message on Facebook this morning.
Hat-tip to The Scotsman and to Brian McHugh and Larry Howard for sending this one our way
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