Manchester United manager Solskjaer gunning for Paddy Power over betting advert

Paddy Power could have landed themselves in hot water again over an advert involving Manchester United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The betting company, who regularly tread a fine line over good taste in their advertising campaigns, have used the Norwegian's image in a dig at the Brexit situation while promoting bets on Solskjaer being given the hot seat at Old Trafford permanently.

When shown the advert during an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Solskjaer reportedly reacted angrily to not having been asked for permission for his image to be used in an advert promoting betting.

The advert featured an image of the Manchester United legend clapping alongside a Brexit-themed message that read "Theresa, time to try the Norwegian model?" – while highlighting United's caretaker boss could be backed at 1-16 to be named the next permanent manager.

Paddy Power: founded in 1988, by the merger of the 40 shops of three Irish bookmakers Stewart Kenny, David Power and John Corcoran

The advert, which appeared in the Evening Standard this week, is the latest in a long line of Paddy Power adverts which have courted controversy.

It is 17 years since one of their adverts appeared involving two pensioners with Zimmer frames on a zebra crossing. Alongside them were odds and a 4x4 vehicle approaching.

There was a public outcry believing the odds were about which one would be run over, but Paddy Power claimed the odds referred to who would be first to reach the other side.

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Paddy Power have a history of Cheltenham Festival gimmicks, including erecting a Hollywood-like structure spelling out their name on Cleeve Hill overlooking the racecourse.

This had to be dismantled hurriedly after the local council pointed out Paddy Power did not have planning permission.

Other adverts to cause offence were a depiction of the Last Supper transformed into a casino gambling scene and one in Italy featuring a Jesus figure cleaning up football.

Last month they released an advert featuring Ryan Giggs's brother Rhodri. It was accompanied with the slogan 'Loyalty's dead. Live for rewards'.

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