Paul Stratton, an employee of the Liverpool city council was substituted in to take a penalty, during Everton’s pre-season friendly against Dynamo Kyiv. Stratton, a Toffees fan, has been assisting Ukrainian immigrants, using up his annual leaves. He has been providing chocolate and snacks to weary families every evening, frequently remaining until 3 or 4 am. Along with his brother Gary, he has also contributed to the provision of laptops to the reception centre, which was quickly established to handle the influx of refugees through the city following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Man United? Hints at return in Vallecano game

Paul Stratton is from Merseyside, England. He is a former police officer, who now works for Liverpool Council as a fraud investigator. The 44-year-old along with his brother Gary, 41, has since been doing their best to hand out supplies and other essentials to people fleeing the war.

Also Read: Joao Felix who? Google shows Man United won 1-0 despite losing to Atletico

After witnessing thousands of people fleeing their homes and a conflict with Russia, Straton flew 1,300 miles from his home in Merseyside to Przemyl at the Polish-Ukrainian border. According to his GoFundMe page, money donated to him goes into:

1) Providing financial support to the families being accommodated in Poland (funding shopping/food, trips out, etc.).

2) Providing financial support to book flights to the UK or internal travel costs (trains, taxi’s to airport etc.).

3) Provide financial support to the volunteers in Poland by purchasing much needed ICT equipment or supplies they need.

His favourite club Everton recognised his deeds by awarding him a penalty on Friday. Before entering the field in full Everton gear to take the game-winning penalties, he was given instructions on the touchline by manager Frank Lampard. Stratton landed his penalty kick in the nets and erupted in jubilation in front of the supporters behind the goal post.

In an emotional night at Goodison Park with almost 2,000 Ukrainian immigrants in attendance, Ukrainian Vitaliy Mykolenko led Everton against his former club.

Also Read: Debt-ridden Barcelona Europe’s biggest spender in football transfer market

After Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the game’s first goal inside the first four minutes for Everton, Dwight McNeil, a recent addition, came off the bench to score twice. The money raised will be donated to organisations that help the Ukrainian people. This was the British side’s first ‘match for peace.’ Since the start of the war, Dynamo has participated in many such matches in other European nations.