Well that didn't take long.
Paddy Power unveiled a large mural of Declan Rice and Jack Grealish in Dublin ahead of Euro 2020 and a few short hours later Republican graffiti was daubed on it.
Both players represented Ireland in the past, but ultimately opted to join England and are now key members of Gareth Southgate’s squad ahead of Sunday’s clash with Croatia.
So unveiling a large mural of them on Fenian St in the city was probably not going to go down well with some.
One person got a green spray paint can and sprayed the following: "England out of Ireland" and "1981 we remember Oglach Bobby Sands."
The mural on was created in conjunction with artist Shane Ha to announce Paddy Power will pay a €20k ‘backstabber bonus’ as part of their #SaveOurGame campaign should either Grealish or Rice manage to score during the tournament.
Last weekend, the betting firm planted a GIGANTIC England flag on a football pitch along Ireland’s coastline to call on Irish football fans to support England at the tournament.
The stunt was part of their pledge to donate €10k to Irish football for every goal England score during the tournament – with a guaranteed €100k being handed out regardless of the performance of Southgate’s squad.
However, today the mischievous bookie added that they will double their single goal contribution to €20k if either of the two players find the back of the net over the course of the coming weeks.
"They may not be wearing the green jersey at the Euros, but at least they’re there, and if Declan Rice or Jack Grealish, score we will pay a backstabber bonus in the form of €20k. We know deep down they wanted to help Irish football, think of this as an assist,” a spokesperson for Paddy Power said.
