- Online showed a model in a Matildas jersey clutching an AFL Sherrin ball
Red-faced Aussie retailer Kmart has issued an apology after its merchandise error online infuriated scores of Matildas fans ahead of the Asian Cup.
A supporter spotted the embarrassing mistake on Kmart’s website, where a model could be seen in a Matildas supporter top ahead of the tournament starting in Perth on March 1 at Optus Stadium.
Problem was, the model was holding a footy from a rival code – a yellow AFL Sherrin match-day ball, with the faux pas first revealed by the Daily Mail.
Veteran commentator Simon Hill – better known as the voice of Australian football – was seething, and felt it may have been a deliberate act.
‘Another little example of how football in Australia is never allowed to enjoy its moment in the sun,’ he posted on X.
‘I can’t think of another place on the planet that would make this mistake…if indeed it is a mistake.
Kmart has apologised after its merchandise error infuriated Matildas fans ahead of the Asian Cup (pictured, a model in a Tillies jersey while holding an AFL Sherrin match-day ball)
Simon Hill – the voice of football in Australia – wondered if the clanger was actually deliberate
Bemused fans were quick to poke fun at Kmart, with one pointing out the retailer sells Matildas soccer balls online and in store
After beating the Philippines 1-0 in their Group A opener thanks to a Sam Kerr goal, the Matildas tackle Iran in the Asian Cup on the Gold Coast on Thursday night
‘Reckon they’d put a pic up of an AFL player carrying a football ️in grand final week?’
Other bemused Matildas fans were quick to poke fun at Kmart, which has more than 300 retail stores across Australia.
‘They literally sell Matildas soccer balls,’ said one.
‘Just embarrassing. Shows just how ‘thin’ their support really is,’ offered another.
‘How pathetic,’ a third bluntly added.
A Kmart spokesperson eventually responded to the Daily Mail’s request for comment, conceding the ‘genuine human error’ was not ideal.
‘We are aware of a product image that appeared briefly on our website showing a model wearing a Matildas shirt while holding an Australian Rules football and we have formally apologised to Football Australia and the Matildas,’ the statement read.
‘We also extend this apology to all football fans for this unintended error.
‘This mistake occurred due to a genuine human error, and the image was removed as soon as it was identified, and Kmart has taken this issue extremely seriously.’
Meanwhile, after beating the Philippines 1-0 in their Group A opener thanks to a Sam Kerr goal, the Matildas tackle Iran in the Asian Cup on the Gold Coast on Thursday night from 8pm AEDT.
Joe Montemurro’s squad will back up on Sunday, March 8 in Sydney when they line up against South Korea at Sydney Olympic Park, also at 8pm AEDT.
The Matildas last won the Asian Cup in 2010.
