Paddy Power's preliminary annual report shows that the company returned a record pre-tax profit of €167m in 2014 - that's a 21 percent increase on the previous year.

The company's revenues increased by 18 percent to €882m. It is proposing to pay a final dividend of 102 cent a share - bringing the full-year payout to 152 cent.

In addition to this - the Irish bookmaker is planning to return €392 million to shareholders through a €8 per-share payment from surplus cash.

The company's online performance remains strong - new customer acquisitions are up by 28 percent, activities are up by 24 percent - and net online revenue increased by 19 percent to €553m.

Mobile accounted for 55 percent of all online revenue - 77 percent of the company's active sportsbook customers use mobile transactions.

Operating profit in its Irish retail operations increased by 15 percent to €15.6 million - like-for-like revenues were up by 3 percent across its 243 Irish outlets.

Andy McCue, Chief Executive of Paddy Power welcomed the results: “2014 was an excellent year for Paddy Power with robust double digit growth in stakes, revenues and profits, and a marked increase in customer acquisition."

He continues: "We are strongly positioned in the key growth areas of online and mobile, whilst also benefitting from a differentiated and resilient retail presence. Our distinctive brands and deeply rooted marketing capability are core assets."

These results come days after the firm was widely criticised for inviting Chelsea fans to prove that they are not 'prejudiced' by standing next to a series of minority stereotypes outside of Wembley Stadium ahead of the Capital One Cup final.

CHELSEA FANS: Prove you're not prejudiced at the Paddy Power stand at Wembley today. pic.twitter.com/dzcTV7cjsM

— Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 1, 2015