On 13 May 2002, Celtic rounded off the season with a trip to Highbury for Tony Adams’ Testimonial match.
The game took on a lot of importance as there was a lot of talk surrounding a move to the Premiership for Celtic and the Hoops showed themselves to be more than capable – just as they did a year later with victories over Blackburn and Liverpool on the road to Seville.
38,000 fans packed into the ground for the match, but all the atmosphere came from the 6000 Celtic supporters in the away end. As usual, the Celtic fans made a name for themselves with the noise they generated and their exemplary behaviour. “They were a credit to the themselves and their club, and added significantly to the event. I cannot speak for Tony Adams but I am sure that he greatly appreciated the reception your fans gave him during his lap of honour. I take this opportunity to say thank you to those supporters who attended the match and to put on record my appreciation for their behaviour and good humour; they were amongst the best in my five years at Highbury,” the Superintendent, Andy Smith, of the Islington Division said about the Celtic faithful.
On the park, it was the visitors who took the lead. A free kick was awarded in the 32nd minute and Alan Thompson thumped home a low left footed shot from the set piece. Lee Dixon equalised for the Gunners on 67 minutes and it was honours even between the champions of England and Scotland.
£1m was raised from the event, with Adams generously donating all proceeds to a Sporting Chance charity, having recovered from alcoholism.
