Principality stadium apologises after ‘misjudged’ England tweet

The Principality Stadium has apologised after asking their Twitter followers what team they would pick for the England game.

The stadium feed was heavily criticised by Wales fans who queried why they seemed to be lending their support to the England team.

The stadium twitter later said that they thought it was “just […] an interesting question” and that it was “perhaps misjudged”.

Over 75 angry Wales fans replied to the tweet, which was only retweeted by eight people.

The criticism came after the Wales Office in London removed the Walsh flag from their building and replaced it with an England flag, leaving the Union Jack.

Just thought it an interesting question… who would you pick? They’re through anyway, the game decides which side of the last 16, from a purely sporting, neutral point of view, what would you do now? We’re all sports fans after all? Perhaps misjudged, sorry if anyone’s offended.

— Principality Stadium (@principalitysta) June 28, 2018

Wales international Chris Gunter hoped the feed had been hacked.

Attention @Twitter the @principalitysta account has been hacked. (I hope)

— Chris Gunter (@Chrisgunter16) June 28, 2018

One twitter user suggested that perhaps the Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns had manned the stadium’s twitter feed.

Has Alun Cairns taken over the tweets from our National Stadium?? #Wales #why #Cairns

— geraint griffiths-so (@SoGeraint) June 28, 2018

but another user suggested that the tweet may not be entirely serious due to the composition of the team.

actually, judging by the team they picked, they might be taking the piss? https://t.co/6x6fg2hgw4

— Garmon Ceiro (@GarmonCeiro) June 28, 2018

The Wales Office had earlier angered some Wales fans by demonstrating support for Gareth Southgate’s England by flying St George’s Cross before the game against Belgium today.

A spokesperson for the Wales Office said: “The PM made it clear she’s getting behind the England team and as a Union we are happy to support that.

“I am sure most people of all backgrounds will be cheering England on.”

However, a YouGov poll had earlier shown that only 35% of people in Wales would support England in the World Cup, with 42% not supporting and 7% specifically wanting them to lose.

The Cross of St George ???????flies above Gwydyr House, Whitehall home of the ??????? Office, @UKGovWales ahead of #ENGBEL at #FifaWorldCup2018 pic.twitter.com/59rdvacD7r

— David Cornock (@davidcornock) June 28, 2018