The Community Shield Isn't Totally Pointless

Whether you know it as the “Community Shield”… the “Charity Shield”… or the “Sheriff of London Charity Shield”… the century-old tradition gets the blood pumping simply because it heralds the start of a new Premier League season. The match itself is usually forgettable as the defending champions and FA Cup holders plod through the 90 minutes, trying to avoid injuries or bookings.  But in its long history, the fixture has had its moments – and here are some of the best:

Next time, wear a hat: Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings scored only once in his legendary career and it happened during the 1967 Charity Shield between Tottenham and Manchester United. From his own penalty area Jennings punted the ball high and long down the field. When the ball finally returned to Earth, it bounced over Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney and into the back of the net. Stepney later blamed the sun on misjudging the flight of the ball. Nevertheless, the game finished 3-3.

So much for being a friendly: The first Charity Shield shown live on TV involved Leeds United and Liverpool in 1974, and wasn’t the greatest advert for football. Billy Bremner clashed with Kevin Keegan, triggering a bigger brawl that ended up with both players being sent off. It was the first time a red card had been shown at Wembley, sparking outrage on Fleet Street. From The Times: “Never before had Wembley witnessed such a disgrace!” The FA proceeded to fine each player £500 and ban them both for 11 matches.

No love lost between Keegan and Bremner in '74

Ooh Aah Cantona! Leeds and Liverpool played out a seven-goal thriller in 1992. Back and forth it went until a young Frenchman who had been on the periphery of Leeds’ championship-winning season the previous year sealed the match with the first hat-trick of his career. You’d think that might have encouraged Leeds to hang onto such a prodigious talent. But no… the following November Leeds sold Eric Cantona to Manchester United for £1.2 million. And the rest is history.