Everton fan who helps refugees scores goal vs. Dynamo Kyiv

Ahram Online , AP , Saturday 30 Jul 2022

An Everton fan who has been helping Ukrainian refugees was brought on to take a penalty during the Premier League team's preseason match against Dynamo Kyiv.

Mason Holgate   Paul Stratton
Everton s Mason Holgate right, celebrates the goal of fund raiser Paul Stratton during a pre-season friendly soccer match at Goodison Park, Liverpool, England, Friday, July 29, 2022. An Everton fan who has been working to help Ukrainian refugees was brought on to take a penalty during their pre-season friendly against Dynamo Kyiv at Goodison Park. AP

Paul Stratton, a 44-year-old Liverpool municipal worker, has traveled to Poland to deliver supplies to refugees fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Stratton, in full Toffees uniform, came on as a substitute toward the end of Everton and Dynamo's ``match for peace'' at Goodison Park on Friday night.

Everton manager Frank Lampard gave him instructions on the touchline before Stratton tucked away his penalty. Stratton then ran toward the stands to celebrate and was congratulated by Everton players.

The goal didn't count and the game finished 3-0. The match was broadcast live nationally in Ukraine, the club said.

Proceeds will go to humanitarian charities supporting the people of Ukraine.

This was the first ``match for peace'' in Britain. Dynamo has played similar games in other European countries since the start of the war.

The crowd included 2,000 Ukrainian refugees who have been resettled in Merseyside communities. They were given free tickets.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

Short link: