Is this charity or a selfish own-goal?

THE British public is incredibly goodhearted and generous, but why do celebrities and sports stars think we’re stupid?

I’ve never understood their fondness for holding extravagant balls to raise charity funds. Why is it so vital to have fun at the expense of others, instead of just donating some of their vast salaries in the first place?

And how much actually goes to the charities? It has emerged that footballer Saido Berahino’s foundation failed to pass on funds raised at a 2015 event for WaterAid.

The charity claims it has ‘not received any money’ from a glitzy dinner the Stoke City striker hosted in Mayfair in May 2015, attended by model-turned-presenter Vogue Williams and other stars.

The new agent of the ex-West Brom striker declined to comment — very charitable — because the WaterAid ball was arranged by the 23-yearold’s previous representatives. It was shortly after the footballer was in the news for all the wrong reasons.

He was pictured using a ‘legal high’ and admitted a drink-driving offence. The charity event was clearly seen as a quick fix to get good headlines and burnish his bad boy reputation.

What a shabby affair. Another celeb using the carapace of charity for their favourite cause — themselves.