Scottish FA 'overwhelmed' as fans raise £500,000 for Ukraine
Last month's friendly against Poland was used as a fundraising opportunity for UNICEF's humanitarian response in Ukraine
The Scottish Football Association declared itself "overwhelmed" by the generosity of Scotland fans after confirming that last month's friendly against Poland had raised £500,000 to help the children of Ukraine.
A crowd of 39,090 attended the 1-1 Hampden draw on March 24 with £10 donated from each ticket to UNICEF's humanitarian response in Ukraine. Further cash was raised through text donations plus contributions from some of the SFA's commercial partners.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: "Everyone at the Scottish FA has been overwhelmed - but not surprised - by the generosity of the Scotland fans and those who could not make the game but were moved to make a personal donation.
"We said at the time that football-related matters paled into insignificance compared to what the people of Ukraine are experiencing and continue to face.
"Along with the counterparts at the Polish FA, this was a resounding show of solidarity with a country and its people, while raising as much money to help them as we can in the process.
"It reinforces the Scottish FA's belief that the power of football can be a source for good even in the most unimaginable situations."
The money will go towards helping supply children and their families within Ukraine - and those who have fled to other countries - with food and clean water as well as ensuring child health and protection services are sustained.
Jon Sparkes, chief executive at the UK Committee for UNICEF, said: "Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to the Scottish FA who organised the football match and to the nearly 40,000 people who came out to pledge their support for the children and families impacted by this crisis.
"The money raised will enable UNICEF to continue to provide emergency medical services, including medicines and health supplies, hygiene kits, safe water and shelter, as well as psychosocial support for those affected by the conflict. Thank you to the many people who made this possible."
The game was arranged at short notice to replace Scotland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine, which is now due to take place at some stage in June.
Poland were due to play Russia in the semi-finals but their opponents were expelled from the World Cup after president Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine.
There were 4,700 Poland fans in the visiting section as well as others interspersed with Scotland supporters.