AMATEUR footballers proved their love for the game when they smashed a world record with a 75-hour non-stop match.

But at the 11th hour it was touch and go whether they would be hailed record-breakers after organisers were forced to add on three hours extra time.

However, Imran Khan, 21, from Woodbine Road, Blackburn, said they smashed the record when the 36-strong team from Blackburn agreed to extend the match after being told that a team in Coventry had claimed the record-breaking with a 72-hour game.

Imran, a computer science student, who organised the Football Relief event with friend Ishfaq Chaka, said: “We found out on Tuesday morning that a team in Coventry had got the record with 72 hours but we worked out that we could stay on the pitch until 3pm because of the booking.

Everyone agreed to keep going as we thought if we are going to play for 72 hours we may as well carry on until 75 if we could.”

The record-breaking 11-a-side match was played at Toryglen Regional Football Centre in Glasgow.

It kicked off on Saturday and the final whistle was blown on Tuesday!

"The group chose the venue as they wanted to combine the match with a trip away.

Imran said, despite fatigue injuries, including groin strain and a dislocated knee cap, they raised more than £13,000 for the British Red Cross.

And after more than 900 goals were scored, although which side won is still being worked out!

Imran said: “Everyone was optimistic that we would do it but realistically it was really tough.

“It feels really good taking the record and everybody is happy.

"Sports drinks kept us energised and I advised people to have 10-minute power naps to get them through.”