Marcus Rashford
(Picture: Getty Images)Spitting Image has been criticised after it unveiled a new puppet of Marcus Rashford.
The satirical puppet show was lambasted for its depiction of the England footballer, with critics both questioning the show’s decision to target him while he has been subjected to racist abuse, and suggesting that it does not resemble him in any way.
Let the chaos begin...#SpittingImage Series 2 will be kicking off on @BritBox_UK available to stream from 11 September. pic.twitter.com/IQqNG3mSyh
— Spitting Image (@SpittingImage) July 23, 2021
Also, for anyone who wants to defend #SpittingImage with "It's just satire!" will do well to remember the words of the late, great Terry Pratchett. pic.twitter.com/NtO2j5OdbR
— Mystic Mind: Media Master (@MysticMindMedia) July 24, 2021
Erm… pic.twitter.com/W6SIgPhLTn
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) July 24, 2021
Marcus Rashford has just been subjected to a load of racial abuse after a year in which he donated 125% of his wealth to help feed children in this country
— The Vimto Kid (@AlexWatt187) July 24, 2021
Spitting Image: “This seems like the perfect time to mock him with a racist caricature puppet” https://t.co/hQLEuFkEwm
I don’t even know where to start 🤮
— Maz (@EstibalizTerron) July 24, 2021
1st teenage environmental activist Greta & now Rashford who fed kids but was (and is- look at that puppet) subject to racist attacks
I remember when Spitting image punched up & stuck it to those in power.
Let the chaos die, I beg you 🙏 https://t.co/TIQNQAtBBy
Actual Marcus Rashford vs Spitting Image Marcus Rashford.
— Max Morgan 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@SpillerOfTea) July 24, 2021
Yeah, definitely nothing racist going on here, @SpittingImage. All totally above board.
Also, completely not ok puppet aside, here’s a thing: maybe leave him the fuck alone right now? You absolute shitheads. pic.twitter.com/MugdWw2E9X
The original version of Spitting Image ran in the 1980s and 1990s and satirised politics, entertainment, sport and British popular culture of the era. The first series of the revived show first aired last year and the next series is expected to air in September.
Rashford suffered racist abuse after the Euro 2020 final in which England lost to Italy in a tense penalty shootout. Following the abuse, politicians intervened to protect the footballer and Rashford issued a statement outlining his experiences.
And it is not the first time Spitting Image has been slammed for going too far. After it depicted Greta Thunberg in 2020, some said it was unfair to target her. The show issued a statement explaining it stood by its decision, adding “it’s nothing to do with her as an individual”.
BritBox, which airs the show exclusively, has not yet commented on their decision to depict the footballer despite criticism.
BritBox has been contacted for comment.
