Man Utd fan wins last two Champions League final tickets

Winner Tom Heap (centre), with Christian O’Connell behind him and co-host Richie Firth to the right

A Manchester United fan from Rochdale couldn’t believe his luck when he snapped up the last two remaining UEFA Champions League Final tickets in the country to see his beloved Manchester United take on Barcelona at Wembley.

Tom Heap joined the Absolute Radio Christian O’Connell Breakfast show live on air to take part in a penalty shoot out sudden death competition competing with four other hopefuls.

Scores of listeners emailed, text and rang into the show all week vying for their chance to be one of the four who would join the team at the One Golden Square studios in London to take part.

The station canteen was converted into a mini football pitch, complete with makeshift goalposts, penalty spot, official champion’s league football and goalkeeper.

Mr Heap and his fellow competitors faced Christian O’Connell’s co-host and exec producer Richie ‘The Cat’ Firth in between the sticks as they each stepped up nervously to take their penalties.

Mr Heap finished the worthy winner slotting home all of his penalties with the kind of finishing prowess Wayne Rooney would be proud of. The story became that bit sweeter when Mr Heap revealed that he would be taking his Dad, Roger, along to the final, who lives in South Africa.
 
Christian O’Connell said: “What an incredible story. So happy to give away the tickets and they couldn’t have gone to a nicer pair. Tom’s Dad Roger is an absolute hero for getting himself on a plane all the way from South Africa to see the final. Worthy winners!”