Socceroos to support Bushfire Appeal

The Socceroos who are currently in Yokohama preparing for tonight's 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian group qualifier against Japan have announced that they are donating their match fees for tonight's game to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal.

The Socceroos who are currently in Yokohama preparing for tonight's 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian group qualifier against Japan have announced that they are donating their match fees for tonight's game to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal.

This comes on the top of $100,000 donated by Football Federation Australia (FFA) on Monday, in addition to other measures such as providing replacement equipment for junior football clubs and schools affected by the fires.

"We have all been shocked by the news of the devastation and we wanted to add to the support of FFA," said Socceroos captain, Lucas Neill.

"We have also been touched by the way in which Australians are pulling together at a time like this.

"It's what helps define us as people, even if we're far away from home like most of us, and it makes us all so very proud to be Australian."

Neill said, despite the competition on the field tonight, Japanese football officials and people have also expressed their support for all those affected by the bushfires.

FFA announced that, with the agreement of the Japanese Football Association, the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA, there will be one minute's silence at tonight's match at Yokohama International Stadium in honour of those who have lost their lives, and local volunteers will be collecting money from the anticipated 70,000 strong crowd to give to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal.

"We've got a game to play which is small in the scheme of things and compared with what others are going through.

"Please be assured that our thoughts and best wishes are with everyone, including the wonderful volunteer and other emergency services workers," Neill said.