Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has claimed responsibility for hijacking one of the United Kingdom’s most famous signs.
The well-known firm ‘twinned’ the famous Welsh village of ‘Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch’ with Chelsea FC.
The only difference between the pair, Chelsea have 16 L's, having lost 16 times in the Premier League this season, while the town has 17 'L's.
READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou addresses Celtic future as Tottenham rumours swirl
Thursday night's 4-1 defeat to Manchester United was Chelsea's 16th loss of the season, and Paddy Power have them in at 11/8 to reach unlucky number 17 when they take on Newcastle on the final day of the season.
Although it’s recognised for having longest place name in the United Kingdom, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll (as it’s known for short) boasts a grand total of just 11 Ls by comparison.
Locals from the village in North Wales were shocked to learn the news that the place they call home had been very unofficially ‘twinned’ with the West London club this morning, when they woke to find the famous sign erected to greet visitors and tourists alike now reads:
'Welcome to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
Twinned with Chelsea FC, the only place with more Ls.'
Spokesperson for Paddy Power, Rachael Kane, said: "Football is booming in Wales at the moment, with Hollywood A-listers catapulting local clubs to major success.
"Given its renaissance, we thought Chelsea might benefit from some Welsh magic, and with a population of just 3,000, they might need the support of every single one of them come Sunday. Chin up lads, Poch is en route!”
The light-hearted stunt drew a chuckle from some people, but others aren't happy with councillors of the town threatening to sanction the bookmakers.
In response to this, Paddy Power have launched a petition to officially twin the town with Chelsea, and released the following statement in relation to this move:
"Following a phenomenal reaction to the sign from locals and over one million views to our posts on social media, we're launching a formal petition to have our sign made permanent, with the council's agreement of course.
"In the meantime we minted to make right any unintentional damage caused during its removal, and as a gesture of goodwill to locals for being such good sports, we'll make a donation towards the upkeep of the flower bed beneath the sign - maybe it could be spent on some poignant blue flowers in memory of a Chelsea season that fans will be keen to forget."
READ NEXT:
- Irish wonderkid courted by German clubs
- Ireland World Cup warm-up fixtures confirmed
- Celtic boss Postecoglou linked with Tottenham Hotspur job
- GAA chiefs hope to host NFL game at Croke Park within five years
- Rachael Blackmore given 5 day ban after controversial ride
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
