Everton lets fan take penalty kick against Dynamo Kyiv in pre-season friendly; Watch

football world witnessed a wholesome moment on Friday during Premier League side Everton’s pre-season friendly match against Ukrainian club Dynamo Kyiv at Goodison Park in Liverpool, United Kingdom. In final moments of friendly game, Everton brought out a fan into field and let him take a penalty corner. fan was revealed as a 44-year-old man named Paul Stratton, who me helines for his efforts to help Ukrainian refugees who were affected by Russia-Ukraine war.

As Stratton me his way out to field, entire crowd at Goodison Park cheered him up and were much elated to see him score a goal. Stratton didn’t disappoint his fellow Everton fans as he converted penalty kick into a goal and helped English side earn a 4-0 win against Ukrainian club. After scoring goal, Stratton was quickly surrounded by Everton players who congratulated him for incredible feat.

Stratton was n spotted kissing Everton bge on his shirt, before exchanging a few words with coach Frank Lampard. After match, Everton took to ir official Twitter handle and shared video of Stratton hitting penalty kick. “Last night was in aid of people of Ukraine. At end of game, Paul Stratton, a 44-year-old Evertonian was surprised by @McInTweet's Big Show due to his brave efforts to help Ukrainians this year,” Everton tweeted.

Watch goal by Everton fan Paul Stratton against Dynamo Kyiv:

Here’s how Paul Stratton helped Ukrainian refugees-

It should be mentioned that, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Stratton traveled all way to Ukrainian border in Poland, 1300 miles away from his home. Having previously worked as a police officer, Stratton helped refugees who fled country to save ir lives.

He was re for a total of four days and assisted refugees, accompanied by a Polish phrasebook and a network of former police and army colleagues. While Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened scoresheet for Everton with a goal in first half and Dwight McNeil bagged a brace, Stratton became most talked about point of match. 

UEFA reacts to wholesome gesture by Everton

video quickly went on viral on social media as football fans reacted to it with interesting tweets. Meanwhile, official Twitter handle of UEFA also reacted to video and said, “Brilliant stuff, well done @Everton and Paul. Congratulations on a fine finish!”. At same time, one of fans said, “This is what football should be about making dreams come true and celebrating and highlighting good things in community”.

Football fans react to viral video-