This isn’t just a World Cup own goal…..this is an M&S World Cup own goal.
The popular high street store is rewarding shoppers with free stickers to celebrate the country’s return to football’s greatest extravaganza after 28 years.
But members of the Tartan Army have been left fuming after many packs turned out to contain a sticker of Ian Wright, a former England international.
View 3 ImagesMarks & Spencer (Image: Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The issue was raised online by TA veteran Alan Leitch, who demanded:”Haw Marks and Spencer!! What in the name of Archie Gemmill is going on here?”
Laura Johnston wrote on social media:”I need two Ian Wrights and three Anthony Ralstons – said no-one ever but that’s what I’ve ended up with.”
The Scotland Mens national team are preparing in the United States for their matches with Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.
In the M&S World Cup promotion, in conjunction with Panini, one packet containing four stickers is handed out to M&S Food shoppers if they spend £20 or more.
View 3 ImagesArsenal legend Ian Wright(Image: Getty Images)
The give-away is being advertised in stores through large floor displays featuring the nation’s heroes, like Scott McTominay, John McGinn and Ryan Christie. But the floor displays do not carry any images of England players or women footballers.
Beneath the promotion, a sign says:”Official partner of the Scotland national teams.”
Ian Wright won 33 caps with England between 1991 and 1998. The closest he got to Scottish football was a brief four-month spell with Celtic during the 1999-2000 season, scoring three goals.
The supermarket chain last night defended the inclusion of Wright, as he is an M&S good eating ‘ambassador’.
An M&S spokesperson said: “Football is about bringing people together and for decades fans of all ages have loved collecting and swapping football stickers, so it’s no surprise that our Panini sticker albums are proving really popular ahead of the World Cup.
“As World Cup fever builds, we have albums for all four home nations which also include the biggest names in the women’s game as well as our Eat Well ambassador Ian Wright.”
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The Scottish FA were approached for comment but did not respond.