Well, this is awkward. Australian retail giant Kmart has found itself in hot water with football fans after a merchandise blunder that's got everyone talking. The company issued a formal apology after eagle-eyed Matildas supporters spotted something very wrong with their online advertising.
Here's what happened: Kmart posted a product photo showing a model wearing a Matildas jersey ahead of the AFC Women's Asian Cup. Sounds great, right? Except the model was holding a bright yellow AFL Sherrin football instead of a soccer ball. You know, the wrong type of football entirely.
The mistake didn't go unnoticed. Legendary football commentator Simon Hill, widely known as the voice of Australian football, was absolutely fuming. He even suggested the error might have been deliberate, posting on X that it's "another little example of how football in Australia is never allowed to enjoy its moment in the sun."
Hill raised a fair point, asking whether anyone would dare put up a photo of an AFL player holding a soccer ball during grand final week. The answer? Probably not.
Fans React to the Mishap
Social media lit up with bewildered Matildas fans mocking the retail giant. One supporter pointed out the obvious: "They literally sell Matildas soccer balls." Another called it "embarrassing" and questioned how genuine Kmart's support really is.
The backlash was swift enough that Kmart's PR team had to step in. A company spokesperson told the Daily Mail it was a "genuine human error" and that the image was removed immediately. They've apologized to both Football Australia and the Matildas, along with all football fans.
Matildas Eye Asian Cup Glory
Meanwhile, the Matildas have more important things to focus on. After beating the Philippines 1-0 in their Group A opener thanks to a Sam Kerr goal, they're preparing to face Iran on the Gold Coast on Thursday night at 8pm AEDT.
For those keeping an eye on the tournament, the Matildas are looking strong as favorites. They'll back up on Sunday, March 8 in Sydney against South Korea at Sydney Olympic Park. With momentum building and Sam Kerr finding the net, Australia's chances of reclaiming the Asian Cup title they last won in 2010 are looking pretty solid.
The controversy might be embarrassing for Kmart, but it's unlikely to distract Joe Montemurro's squad from their ultimate goal: bringing home the trophy.
