A mother has praised UFC star Molly McCann after she helped escort her son off the pitch when he ran onto the field at the end of the Game4Hope charity match at Goodison Park. Billie-Jean Worrall said the moment was the "best day" of 14-year-old Alfie Andrews' life.
Pitch invasion at Goodison Park
Billie-Jean was at the match with Alfie and a group of friends and family. The charity game saw a star-studded Team Merseyside take on a Rest of the World side to raise money for Everton in the Community and homelessness charity Shelter.
Billie-Jean said Alfie, who has ADHD, ran onto the pitch towards the end of the game due to his impulsivity. She said: "It's his impulsivity. He went and I couldn't even stop him. I was shouting him and he just ran at the end."
Molly McCann steps in
Alfie evaded the stewards, prompting Molly to tackle him before escorting him off the pitch. Billie-Jean said she relates to Molly and was happy it was her who intervened. She said: "I can't believe out of everyone it was Meatball Molly. I love the girl to death. I've never met Molly but I feel like I know her because we're both from Garston and she's made of the same stuff as me."
Billie-Jean later reached out on social media to apologise and explain what had happened. She was surprised that Molly responded and joked the reason she tackled Alfie was because he was wearing a Liverpool shirt at Goodison Park.
A memorable day for Alfie
Billie-Jean said the encounter made Alfie's day. She added: "He felt like he was famous. I could have spent £10,000 and never made him that happy. It was better than a kid on Christmas Day."
Molly was one of a number of famous faces at the inaugural Game4Hope. She was part of a Team Merseyside captained by Tim Cahill, which also featured fellow Everton legends such as Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines, whose late winner secured a 3-2 victory. Scouse stars such as James Nelson-Joyce, Toni Duggan, Tony Bellew and Liam Smith also featured, while the Rest of the World XI included football icons such as Clarence Seedorf and Rivaldo.
Team Merseyside captain Cahill spoke ahead of the game and said he was privileged to return to such a meaningful location for an important cause. He said: "It's always good when you can come back to this city to do something special with them. When I got the call to play in this game, it was not obligation and it's something I take great pride in representing the city of Liverpool."
Cahill, who is from Australia but endeared himself to Everton fans during his eight years at the club, said: "I carry Everton with me my whole career. When I left and still now. As someone that has made a great career from this football club, but without [the fans], it would have been a lot different. I'm very grateful. They know what the club means to me. I don't need to tell them, but I always appreciate the support."
On his bond with the club, Cahill said: "For us, it's just being together, standing together, being loyal. It's not just winning. It's being there when the chips are down. It's such a great city with two great football clubs. A working class community who are appreciative of the badge. When you understand that and you get to learn more about it from ex club legends and be someone who can also mentor other players, it carries you through for the rest of your life. That's one thing I've always had is an appreciation of families, of Evertonians and the city. To be able to put the jersey on is something I never took for granted."
