Paddy Power has stuck a finger up to Russia and raised £80k for LGBT+ charities
President Putin and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
We’re all pretty concerned about how LGBT+ people are being taken care of at the World Cup.
While the safe house available for LGBT+ fans was shut down and some LGBT+ fans have already been attacked, it’s a more challenging environment than most to watch football.
But Paddy Power’s decision to play a bit of a blinder this tournament has put a smile on everyone’s faces.
Every time Russia scores during the tournament, the betting firm have agreed to donate £10,000 to an LGBT+ charity.
“Following the host’s first game against Saudi Arabia – where they netted five – it was announced that £10,000 of the money will fund 20 members of the LGBT+ community to become fully qualified referees,” the company announced.
“After just two games, Russia have scored EIGHT goals, meaning we are donating £80,000 to LGBT+ causes. And we’re far from done yet! #RainbowRussians ️ ” the betting firm tweeted.
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has also done his bit to critique Russia’s stance on LGBT+ rights.
Peter Tatchell was arrested on the first day of the tournament for protesting the Chechnyan murders and persecution of gay people.
British gay rights activist Peter Tatchell stages an anti-Putin protest against the mistreatment of LGBT people in Russia (MAXIM ZMEYEV/AFP/Getty)
The human rights campaigner was released by police the next day.
He said: “I am required to appear in court on 26 June for violating Federal Law 54 and Presidential Decree 202, which prohibit all protests near the Kremlin and during the World Cup.
Russian police officers arrest British gay rights activist Peter Tatchell following his anti-Putin protest (MAXIM ZMEYEV/AFP/Getty)
“I have written a letter to the Chief of Police of Kitay-Gorod police district, requesting that my court appearance is voided on the grounds that I am flying back to the UK on 18 June.
“I have been told I will be free to leave Russia on that date as planned. I spent one hour and 40 minutes in police custody, from the moment I was detained near the Kremlin to the moment of my release from the police station.
