Rishi Sunak found himself in an awkward situation during his campaign tour when he made a football-related gaffe while meeting brewery staff in Barry.
The Prime Minister asked the workers if they were looking forward to the football later this summer, seemingly unaware that Wales did not qualify for the Euro 2024 tournament.
After Mr Sunak asked, “So are you looking forward to all the football?”, there was an uncomfortable pause. One brewery employee replied, “We’re not so invested in it,” with another adding, “That’s because you guys aren’t in it.”
Despite the slip-up, the Prime Minister maintained that “it’ll be a good summer of sport.”
This is not the first time Mr Sunak has made a football-related error. The self-described “massive football fan” incorrectly mentioned in 2022 that his team, Southampton FC, would be playing Manchester United that weekend when they were actually facing Leicester City.
On Thursday, the teetotal Tory leader was shown the brewing processes at the Vale of Glamorgan Brewery in Barry, accompanied by Wales Secretary David TC Davies and Vale of Glamorgan MP Alun Cairns.
He told staff they were “part of a proper industry that we’re keen to support,” highlighting a “Brexit pubs guarantee” and support with business rates.
The brewery visit was part of Mr Sunak’s whirlwind campaign tour across all four nations of the UK, following his announcement of a General Election on July 4.
Earlier in the day, he had answered questions from workers at William West Distribution in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, and was scheduled to travel to Scotland later on Thursday.
