Footballers get given a rough press a lot of the time. They're supposed to be apathetic, in a bubble, self-absorbed and completely out of touch with ordinary people. But some players do a lot to refute such stereotypes. Whether it is Steven Naismith's work for the homeless of Glasgow, Cristiano Ronaldo giving $83,000 to pay for a sick child's operation or the kind-heartedness of our own James McClean, there are top players who use their own positions of wealth or fame to reach out to people who could use a bit of support.
Now, Leigh Griffiths' actions after scoring today might be somewhat simpler, but they are nonetheless effective and thoughtful. And there is something a little serendipitous about the manner in which Griffiths gave one family a boost at a time when they really needed it.
At the time of writing, Celtic are 2-1 up against Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership, having taken the lead in the thirteenth minute with a goal by Griffiths. Griffiths, who before the game tweeted that he was looking forward to meeting the family of 13-year-old Kieran McDade, a young Celtic fan who died last week following a cardiac arrest suffered while training with his club side.
Griffiths, who in one moment encapsulated how important sport is to people; its position as comfort-giver, escape mechanism, hope provider. For after scoring a brilliant goal in the 13th minute he ran to the other end of the pitch, picked up a t-shirt that read 'Kieran, 13' and dedicated his goal to the young fan.
Here's the goal:
And here's Griffiths running to the other end of the pitch:
A lovely gesture, and one young Kieran certainly deserved as his decision to donate his organs has already saved the lives of two people, his proud sister declared after his death.
Picture via Mark Conlon
See also: Watch: Celtic Teenager Celebrates CL Qualification With Conor McGregor's UFC 202 Strut
