David Seaman will receive £600,000 from his testimonial match at Highbury this evening where Arsenal were beaten by Barcelona 2-0. Although the veteran English keeper was honoured by the attendance of 33,297 fans who gave him a standing ovation just minutes from time, he couldn't prevent his beloved club losing to their European visitors, who included former Arsenal stars Marc Overmars and Emmanuel Petit in their line-up.
Seaman was even called upon to break up a punch-up between team-mate Lee Dixon and Dutch winger Boudewijn Zenden. Although referee Dermot Gallagher did not send off either player after the clash which followed a dangerous tackle by the Dutchman, Zenden was immediately substituted but shook hands and hugged Seaman before leaving the field.
The double strike for Barcelona arrived just 15 minutes into the game. Spanish international striker Alfonso scored both and could have had a hat-trick but missed a sitter.
Seaman, who has agreed to sign a new one-year contract with the club, will donate a chunk of his testimonial takings to the Willow Cancer Foundation set up by his Arsenal goalkeeping coach Bob Wilson.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
