Charlton Athletic fans could not believe their eyes when they saw what the club was selling in the club shop ahead of their match with Wrexham on Saturday.
The London-based side will play host to high-flying Wrexham, who are chasing their third straight promotion, having achieved back-to-back promotions in 2023 and 2024. They currently sit second in League One behind leaders Birmingham City.
The club have been the subject of mass media interest since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took co-ownership of them in February 2021.
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Since then, impressive performances and popular Disney + docuseries, ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, have allowed the club to flourish both on and off the pitch.
The widespread coverage of the team has allowed them to grasp huge commercial opportunities that otherwise would not be associated with a League One club.
However, Charlton fans were stunned when they realised what their club shop was selling ahead of tomorrow’s game at The Valley. The club were selling half-and-half scarves earlier today, and it’s safe to say it didn’t go down too well with the Addicks’ fan base.
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One took to social media to voice their dismay, saying: “How tinpot is this?”
A second added: “I’m sorry but this made me laugh. How many do they expect to sell? 10? 20? Dear God.”
A third followed the same tone: “Honestly, acting like this is our cup final absolutely embarrassing.”
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Another expressed their anger by saying: “We’re playing Wrexham, not f*****g Real Madrid.”
With another adding: “That's embarrassing and utter cringe-worthy.”
It is fair to say this is a brave move from the club, given the fact that to most football fans, Charlton are arguably a more established football club than Wrexham despite their recent rise to prominence.
The Londoners have competed in eight Premier League campaigns, whereas Wrexham have never played above the second tier of English football.
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However, the Welsh outfit are arguably in a better position than tomorrow’s opponents, who currently sit 11th in League One.
Still, the Red Dragons have a long way to go if they are to reach the unprecedented heights of the Premier League but their current trajectory will excite supporters at the Racecourse.
It has also been reported that YouTuber Mark Goldbridge will be doing a live watchalong from the Charlton TV studio, similar to what he usually does for Manchester United games.
SPORTbible has contacted Charlton Athletic Football Club for comment.
Topics: Charlton Athletic, Wrexham, Football, League One, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, Fan Reactions
Luke Davies