Isco and Gerard Piqué Nab Awards from PETA U.K. for Rescuing Bird Mid-Game

Spanish Soccer Stars Moved Tiny Bird to Safety During World Cup Match Against Iran

For Immediate Release:
June 22, 2018

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Hero to Animals awards are on their way from PETA U.K. to Spanish soccer players Francisco “Isco” Alarcón Suárez and Gerard Piqué for saving a bird during a FIFA World Cup game against Iran on Wednesday. The tiny bird was in the middle of the field and in danger of being stepped on when the two stars jumped into action, first moving the animal onto the sidelines and then encouraging the bird to fly away before resuming play.

“PETA U.K. is recognizing these compassionate football players for gently coaxing this little bird out of a dangerous situation and on his or her way to safety,” says PETA U.K. Director Elisa Allen. “No game is more important than someone’s life, and we hope their heroic actions will encourage everyone to come to the aid of animals in need.”

Isco and Piqué will each receive framed certificates from PETA U.K., whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way.”

For more information, please visit PETA.org.