More than 80,000 people at Wembley Stadium fell quiet on Sunday (August 6) to remember the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire .
A silence was observed before the Charity Shield kick-off between Chelsea and Arsenal, while "For Grenfell" signs adorned the national stadium.
Proceeds from the match, which saw Arsenal triumph on penalties, will go to those affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster, with around £1.25 million expected to be raised.
The FA announced in June that this year’s Shield would be dedicated to all those affected by the tragic events at Grenfell Tower with The FA alongside Arsenal, Chelsea and sponsors McDonald’s, hoping to donate in the region of £1.25m.
More than 1,000 members of both the affected community and the three emergency services were invited to attend the fixture.
A total of 300 of those seats were volunteered by The FA Council and other dignitaries in the Royal Box and Wembley Suite, with the usual regulations on age limit and dress code in the area being especially lifted for the event.
The FA said Chelsea and Arsenal players wore black armbands and walked out with mascots including four children from Grenfell Tower.
The Choir for Grenfell – formed in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy by members of the affected community – performed Bridge Over Troubled Water on the pitch, the single recorded and released to raise money for the community. The National Anthem followed The Choir for Grenfell’s performance.
Speaking ahead of the match FA chairman Greg Clarke said: ‘The Community Shield provides The FA and both clubs with the opportunity to pay our respects to the victims and all those affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster, just five miles from Wembley Stadium .
“The FA - together with both clubs, the Premier League, English Football League and the National Game - are hoping to raise in the region of £1.25m for the community.
"Football is for all, and it has the powerful ability to inspire, unite, and bring people together even in the toughest of circumstances.
“We know the game means little in comparison but it was important to do something in support of our neighbours and as a thank you to the heroic work of our brave emergency services.”
The official attendance for the traditional season opener was 83,325.
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