We’ve heard today that one of Denmark’s strikers playing in the Euros is in a bit of bother over his underwear. But why?
Is it true that one of the players in the Euros is in a bit of trouble over his undies?
Yes, it is true. The striker in question is Nicklas Bendtner from Denmark, and it looks as though his ‘lucky’ underwear may have brought him a whole lot of bad luck. The Denmark and Arsenal striker showed off his lucky green britches after scoring his second goal in Denmark’s 3-2 defeat to Portugal. However, top Euro officials aren’t too pleased.
Why is that?
Well his lucky underwear just so happened to have ‘Paddy Power’ plastered across them in massive bold letters. This breaches UEFA regulations that stipulate that all kit items worn during the finals must be free from any form of sponsored advertising. So flaunting a bright green pair of pants with ‘Paddy Power’ stitched into them probably wasn’t the smartest of moves.
Why was he wearing them in the first place?
Well according to Bendtner (and remember he’s Danish), “it was not a conscious thing on my part. It was simply some underwear that give me a little luck. I also wore them in the first match and have worn them before.
“Of course I can see it’s a bit unfortunate. But there is no agreement or anything like that. It was just for myself.” What he probably meant to say was, “Ah well, I got paid didn’t I?”
Did he actually get paid for doing it?
Well… no actually. Not according to a Paddy Power spokesman who said no money changed hands between Bendtner and the betting firm. Apparently, the underpants have been sent to several players in the tournament, so they could make a reappearance at any stage. However, it seems somewhat unlikely now as Bendtner was told by the Danish FA that he’d have to wear different underpants in the team’s final Group B match against Germany this Sunday. So no doubt the other countries will give their players an underpants talk too.
Wow… So are the Danish FA p*ssed?
Yes, to say the least. Firstly, it looks bad for them that one of their players appears to be part of an ambush marketing campaign from an Irish betting firm. Secondly, a different betting company already sponsors them. Even though Bendtner was displaying the Irish bookmaker Paddy Power on his jocks, UK firm Ladbrokes actually sponsors the Danish FA. So the salt was severely rubbed into the wound on that one.
What’s going to happen now?
Well nothing has been said as of yet whether Euro bosses or the Danish FA are planning on disciplining Bendtner for his actions, but if anything was to happen it would probably be just a small fine and a slap on the wrist. And we’re sure Bendtner knows someone who would be willing to pay for the advertising fine.
