€11k to LGBT campaign.. every time Russia score

Paddy Power Cup pledge to help make soccer inclusive

PADDY Power will give more than €11,000 to an LGBT+ campaign for every goal Russia score at the World Cup. ENGLAND captain Harry Kane yesterday got his hands on a trophy at the World

Cup – for the first and probably last time. Kane and his boss Gareth Southgate received gifts from locals in St Petersburg as they trained ahead of their opening group match against Tunisia on Monday. based on sexual orientation. Working with Attitude magazine’s Foundation, Paddy Power’s donations aim to: ■ Challenge LGBT+ prejudice on and off the field

Support footballers and those in the game in coming out

Fund educational programmes in schools and colleges, and

Make grass- roots teams safe spaces for LGBT+ players.

Among those backing the campaign are ex-olympian Caitlyn Jenner, rugby legend Gareth Thomas, swimmer Mark Foster, international rugby referee Nigel Owens and actor Christopher Biggins.

A spokesman for the bookie – which has guaranteed a

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minimum donation of €56,750 – said: “When Russia Put-in a goal, we’ll Put-in £10,000 to Foundation, who will use the funds to make football more LGBT+ inclusive.

“I cannot wait to see the LGBT+ community get behind the Russians – or the Russians’ baffled reaction.”

Attitude publisher Darren Styles added: “The World Cup is meant to be about inclusivity but thanks to the hosts and those who chose the hosts, this tournament – and the next in Qatar – is taking place in a nation with laws that discriminate against the LGBT+ population.

“This is unacceptable and it will be hugely satisfying to see a goal from Russia send a message of equal love.”

I cannot wait to see the LGBT+ community get behind the Russians SPOKESMAN FOR PADDY POWER