Gary Lineker was left red-faced after walking into a store without a mask on.
The Match of the Day presenter and football legend says he forgot to put a face covering on and has blamed 'old age' for his mistake.
The 59-year-old former England player says he finally twigged his error after a couple minutes.
The father-of-four says he hastily put his mask on after realising why other shoppers had been giving him 'daggers.'
Gary has now tweeted to apologise for the mistake.
He wrote: "In my old age, I went into a store and forgot to put my mask on. Was wondering why people were giving me daggers.
"Realised after a couple of minutes and hastily put it on. Felt awful and embarrassed. Apologies to those present."
"Easily done. Finding a mask in your pocket is the modern equivalent of finding a fiver in your jacket!" one follower told him.
"Easily done. I forget to take it off sometimes. I’m that weird guy I shout at wearing a mask in the car on my own," said another.
"Done that a few times, between sanitising hands, wiping trolley handles forgot initially to put on mask," another told him.
And another follower replied: "I've done it a few times and then awkwardly try putting it on when I’m in the shop."
In England people must wear a face covering in most indoor public settings including shops and supermarkets, shopping malls, hair salons and visitor attractions, in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Face coverings are also needed in NHS settings, including hospitals and GP surgeries and are advised to be worn in care homes.
Face coverings are intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth.
People should wear a face covering before entering the indoor setting and until they leave unless there is a reasonable excuse for removing it.
