Over 5,000 fans turned up to watch Louis Tomlinson make his professional soccer debut.
The One Direction singer was supported by hoards of screaming girls when he took to the pitch at Keepmoat Stadium, South Yorkshire, to play his first official game for Doncaster Rovers reserve team last night (26.02.14).
Despite only playing for 15 minutes when he was called on as a sub for the club in their match against Rotherham, Louis drew an international audience with fans flying from as far afield as the US and Mexico to catch a glimpse of the pop pin-up.
Security was forced to step in when the overexcited girls rushed out of their seats as Louis trotted onto the pitch at the 64th minute, and were sternly warned the ‘Kiss You’ singer wouldn’t play unless they remained calm.
The disappointing 0-0 draw was lost on the eager ‘Directioners’ as they screeched encouragement whenever their hero took the ball and booed opponents who tackled it from him.
Meanwhile, Louis’ girlfriend Eleanor Calder had pride of place in the box and looked on patiently as the heartthrob, who joined as a non-contract player for the team last summer, posed for photos with his loyal devotees after the game.
Proceeds from the Final Third Development League match – which normally draws a mere 100 supporters – went to local charity, the Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.
The 22-year-old star later tweeted: "Wow what an incredible experience. Can’t put into words how I feel 🙂 I will never forget pulling on my own Doncaster Rovers shirt!!"
While Louis is unlikely to be a permanent fixture on the pitch due to his touring commitments with bandmates Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Liam Payne, his appearance raised much-needed funds for Bluebell hospice, of which he serves as a patron.
Louis Tomlinson makes Doncaster Rovers debut
