Gary Lineker ‘volleyed away’ rival crisp brand to Walkers after sneaky ploy

Gary Lineker once defended his partnership with Walkers by booting away a packet belonging to a rival crisp brand thrown at him by paparazzi.

The England icon turned Match of the Day host first linked up with the Leicester-based snack company in 1994 and has remained the face of the brand ever since – despite his loyalty being tested.

Appearing on Quickly Kevin, will he score? The 90s Football Show, Lineker was asked by hosts Josh Widdecombe and Chris Skull whether he avoids eating rival brands while abroad. He then explained that Lay's are okay to eat as part of the same company.

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The 62-year-old then added: "But I have had instances where paps have thrown bags of alternative brands, hoping I'll catch them so they can take a picture of me with them.

"Twice I can remember that actually happened and I veered out the way." Lineker then chuckled: "(I then) brought it down on my chest and volleyed it back!"

The former Leicester, Tottenham and Barcelona forward had earlier joked that his association with the crisp brand was his finest achievement, laughing that he dreamed about it as a child.

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Lineker's partnership with the iconic company, which was sold by the Walker family to Standard Brands in 1970, has even included his own flavour. Salt & Lineker, a rebrand of salt & vinegar, was first used in the 1990s, with his first TV advert coming on his return from playing in Japan.

Roy Keane once teamed up with Lineker for a St Patrick’s Day offering, appearing in a huge leprechaun outfit.

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The advert saw Lineker running through the streets of a St Patrick’s Day celebration with a large sports bag. But Lineker is eventually caught by Keane as the leprechaun, taking his bag of treats away and performing a jig.

Posting the video on his now-deleted Instagram, Keane had said in 2021: "Dressed as a leprechaun chasing Lineker for a bag of crisps."

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