Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan has said that he will be donating $500 to the Australian bushfire emergency fund for every save made by a Premier League keeper this weekend.

“In light of the devastation caused by the bushfires back home, I'm donating 500 Australian dollars for every registered save by all Premier League goalkeepers across every Premier League fixture for this weekend,” the keeper wrote on social media.

Ryan, who hails from Plumpton, Australia, has 59 caps for Australia, and faces Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. Earlier, the 27-year-old also pledged to donate $1000 for every goal scored across the A-League and W-League fixtures last week and a total of 27 goals were scored across the two leagues.

“I've chosen to donate to the WIRES Wildlife Rescue emergency fund. Thank you to all for your support thus far and as a nation we really do appreciate your gratitude and generosity,” he added.

“However there continues to be homes lost, lives of both people and animals lost or in danger, along with whole communities, businesses and more. 

“I hope we can continue in the same manner and continue to encourage and influence people into raising money for those affected.

“Fingers crossed relief is on its way.”

As for January fixtures (January 1 and 2), a total of 60 saves were made across 10 games, which means the keeper would donate an average of $30,000.

Several sporting superstars have come together in the wake of Australia bushfires. Cricket legend Shane Warne raised a whopping $1,000,000 for the victims of the wildfires through his baggy green cap, while six-time Formula 1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton donated $500,000 to WIRES Wildlife Rescue, WWF Australia and the Rural Fire Services. 

Earlier this month, Chris Lynn had initiated a donation for the Australian bushfires by pledging $250 to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal for every six that he hits for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. And Maxwell, on his part, followed the suit by matching the same amount that Lynn pledged for each six.

Also joining the duo was explosive left-handed batsman D’Arcy Short, who plays for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL and was also added to the Australian side for the upcoming ODI series against India.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Glyn Kirk

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