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Vladimir Putin gets umbrella as he hands out World Cup medals… while world leaders next to him get soaked

Russian President Vladimir Putin stands under an umbrella while those around him get soaked: AP
Russian President Vladimir Putin stands under an umbrella while those around him get soaked: AP

Vladimir Putin was given the luxury of an umbrella while he handed out World Cup medals, while the French and Croatian leaders standing next to him got soaked.

The Russian president remained dry during the post-match presentation as a man behind him offered shelter from torrential rain.

With a seeming lack of umbrellas available, his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and Croatia's prime minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic were not so fortunate.

Many people took to social media to criticise Mr Putin.

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis wrote on Twitter: "Putin gets an umbrella. Beautiful presidents of Croatia and France get soaked!"

American journalist Katy Tur added: "In Mother Russia only Putin gets an umbrella."

"Only Putin gets an umbrella," commented Piers Morgan.

More umbrellas were eventually brought out but Twitter users were further outraged when women dressed in Qatar Airways air stewardess uniforms, stood at the back of the podium, were not offered any.

France lifted the famous trophy after beating Croatia 4-2 in Sunday's final.

Goals from Antoine Griezman, Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and an own goal from Mario Mandzukic won the match for the French.

Croatia replied with goals from Ivan Perisic and Mandzukic.