Everton super-fan scores penalty at Goodison Park in a magical moment
Everton super-fan Paul Stratton came on for his beloved club in their pre-season fixture against Dynamo Kyiv and scored a penalty.
The council worker from Merseyside was being honoured for his courageous work helping Ukraine through their conflict with Russia. [Daily Mail]
He was brought on as a substitute by Frank Lampard and scored a penalty before sliding on his knees and kissing the Everton Badge as fans in the Gwladys Street End applauded him.
Magical Moment for Stratton
It was a momentous and extremely deserved occasion for Stratton who has done courageous work in the war-torn country after flying to Poland in March.
Stratton, who was donning the number 38 on the back of his Everton shirt, He helped many refugees in the country, without knowing the language, just being equipped with a trusty phrasebook. [Daily Mail]
The emotional evening was topped off by not only being embraced by the Everton faithful in attendance that night, but also celebrating with the Everton team and manager, Frank Lampard.
Everton defender, Vitaliy Mykolenko, who is a Ukrainian international captained the Toffees for the first time against the Ukrainian opposition.
Mykolenko, whose father is currently still fighting in his homeland, said before the game how proud he is of his family and like Stratton, was embraced by Everton fans.
The night went as well as it could have gone, and was a feel-good occasion for all involved and Everton can now prepare for their Premier League opener against Chelsea on 6 August at Goodison Park.