Paul Mullin’s ‘F** the Tories’ Message on Boots Sparks Backlash from Wrexham*
Wrexham Football Club has banned striker Paul Mullin from wearing his custom football boots, which were emblazoned with the message “f*** the Tories”. The 27-year-old had shared photos of the boots, designed by Zebra Customs, on social media ahead of the team's match against Halifax Town on Tuesday.
Mullin, who was Wrexham's top scorer last season with 32 goals, now faces the task of finding alternative footwear after the club expressed disapproval. A statement from Wrexham clarified that the photos would not have been authorised if the club had been aware of them beforehand. The club also made clear that it maintains a neutral stance on political matters and emphasised that an individual’s views should not be attributed to the club or its supporters as a whole.
Wrexham, who gained international attention last year after being taken over by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, noted that the club’s position was to remain impartial on political issues. The town's Conservative MP, Sarah Atherton, also highlighted that Mullin's message represented his personal opinion, not that of the club.
The club’s statement continued: “After this distraction, we hope attention will refocus on our goal of promotion and the community impact we aim to create, where Paul Mullin will continue to play an important role.”
Mullin, who hails from Liverpool and previously played for Cambridge United, has not publicly responded to the club’s statement but has left the tweet featuring the boots’ photos on his timeline. On the other side of the boots, in addition to the political message, there is an engraving that references the Liverpool skyline and a tribute to musician Jamie Webster.
Reactions on social media were divided. Some fans supported Mullin's stance, while others criticised the message, with one user suggesting that as a role model, Mullin should refrain from encouraging political division or offensive language.
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The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields