Simon Rimmer was forced to apologise on Sunday Brunch after his decision to cook Mexican food ahead of England's World Cup match against Mexico sparked a playful backlash from co-host Tim Lovejoy and guests.
Rimmer's Menu Sparks Controversy
During the Channel 4 show, Rimmer announced the first dish: black bean sweet potato quesadilla, followed by lamb Greek salad and banoffee pavlova. Lovejoy immediately challenged him, saying: "Are you seriously going to make Mexican food today? Seriously, seriously, Simon? He's not thought this through, has he?"
The comments referenced England's upcoming World Cup fixture against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, kicking off at 1am BST on Monday morning. Lovejoy remarked that Rimmer was "setting the tone" for the match, to which Rimmer replied: "Exactly! A celebration, it's also really delicious."
Guests Join the Joke
Celebrity guests including Ralf Little, Siân Brooke, Caitlin Moran and Adam Frost tasted the dishes. Moran joked: "It's not patriotic, but it's delicious." Rimmer said he expected backlash if England lost, later apologising: "If England do lose tonight, then I do apologise for making quesadillas on a programme on Channel 4 on Sunday morning. It is my fault."
Match Details and Player Reaction
Despite speculation the match might be moved due to adverse weather, England's Marcus Rashford said: "It doesn't matter, it's a game of football at the end of the day. It might be a small adjustment that we need to make, but in the end it doesn't change our outlook on the game."
Sunday Brunch airs Sundays on Channel 4 from 10am.
