SCOTLAND'S friendly with Poland last month raised £500,000 for Ukraine, the Scottish FA and UNICEF have revealed.
Steve Clarke's men were due to host the Ukrainians in the World Cup play-off semi-final but the match was postponed following the Russian invasion of the Eastern European country.
A friendly with Poland was then arranged to raise money to help the war-torn nation.
Ten pounds from each of the 39,090 tickets sold was donated to the crisis, while supporters were encouraged to provide contributions via text or online during the match. Additional funds were provided by the SFA's commercial partners.
The money raised will go towards UNICEF's emergency appeal and is enough to establish four Blue Dot Centres, which are safe spaces along border crossings for those people fleeing into neighbouring countries.
“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," said SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell.
“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.”
Jon Sparkes, chief executive at The UK Committee for UNICEF, added: “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 match itself finished 1-1, with Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney scoring his first international goal. The Poles were awarded a dubious penalty in second-half stoppage time that Krzysztof Piatek converted.
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