Greggs has temporarily removed its Mexican sandwich range from selected stores in England ahead of the Three Lions' World Cup clash with Mexico, prompting a wave of reactions from Scottish football fans who called the move 'petty'.
Greggs Benches Mexican Range for England Match
The Newcastle-based bakery chain confirmed it would pull its Mexican-inspired food products from shelves on Sunday, July 5, describing the decision as a 'tactical shift' in support of England ahead of the highly anticipated last-16 match against Mexico. However, the menu shake-up is only temporary, with the Mexican range returning to stores on Monday, July 6.
The Mexican Chicken Baguette, Mexican Chicken Oval Bite, and Mexican Chicken Flatbread have all been 'benched' from selected Greggs stores in England, with 'Off Sale' signs displayed ahead of kick-off. Notably, the items will not be removed from stores in Scotland.
First Time Greengs Has Removed a Sandwich for Sport
According to Greggs' Customer Director Zoe Harris, it is the first time the bakery chain has ever removed a sandwich from sale for a sporting event. The announcement quickly sparked debate online, particularly among Scottish football fans, who were quick to joke about England's latest World Cup fixture.
The rivalry between Scotland and England is one of football's oldest, and while the two nations rarely play each other, Scotland fans are quick to back anyone but England whenever the English national team is playing.
Scottish Fans Joke and Support Mexico
As news of the menu change spread on X, formerly known as Twitter, many Scots took to the platform to say they would be supporting Mexico anyway and heading to Greggs to purchase a Mexican sandwich in support of the team. One person wrote: 'Dinnae think this will apply to their Scottish stores. We are rooting for Mexico.' Another joked: 'I'll be watching the game with my Greggs baguette.'
Others couldn't resist taking a swipe at England's cuisine, with one Scottish user saying: 'Notice that Mexico can't do the same because England has no food thats popular internationally.'
Petty British Level of Pettiness
The decision to keep the Mexican menu available outside England also amused many social media users. One person wrote: 'The fact that they kept it on the menu in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is the most British level of pettiness ever.'
Another imagined scenes in Scottish Greggs stores: 'Greggs is refusing to sell any Mexican food products today ahead of the England vs Mexico WC match. But in Scotland, Greggs sold out of Mexican food in most shops, to hungry Mexican supporters wearing kilts and Mexico football shirts.'
A further fan added: 'Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland keeping the Mexican menu. The unity is not quite there,' alongside multiple laughing face emojis. While another simply stated: 'England fans talk about Scots being petty. Hilarious.'
