Tesco apologises for 'drunken fans' display

A WORLD CUP row blew up this afternoon after a Shropshire supermarket used an image of drunken England fans to boost sales.

Shrewsbury's Tesco Extra store was branded "irresponsible" by the town's MP for the display. The supermarket giant has now apologised and removed the display.

MP Daniel Kawczynski said the display at the Harlescott store showed two dummies dressed in England kits lying on bean bags surrounded by beer cans.

Mr Kawczynski claimed the display gave England fans a bad name and says he is now writing to Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy to complain.

He said: "They have got two drunken football supporters surrounded by beer cans. It's irresponsible and a bad way to be promoting the World Cup, particularly with young, vulnerable people going there.

Alcohol

"I have had people writing to me complaining about it and I totally agree with them. What sort of an image does this give to young children in the store? It gives the impression that drinking is an all-important part of the World Cup and to gorge yourself on alcohol.

"I will be writing to the chief executive of Tesco to urge them to review how they advertise in their stores so that it causes less offence to constituents and gives a better impression to youngsters."

A spokesman for Tesco said the matter had been dealt with.

He said: "We take our responsibility towards the sale of alcohol very seriously. We apologise for this display and any offence caused. We have spoken to the staff involved in creating it."

Customer David Coomber took this picture of the offending display on Sunday morning while shopping in the store. He said he complained to the duty manager who said his comments would be passed on.

By Russell Roberts