Wrexham AFC, which is owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and has been starring in the hit Disney doc, swiftly reacted to the post, since deleted in favour of a less inflammatory shot of the other side of the boots, featuring the logo “This Place” and Mullin’s name and squad number alongside the skyline of Mullins’ native Liverpool.
The club said that Mullin would not be allowed to wear the boots, and emphasised its commitment to political impartiality. It added that Mullin had not consulted with officials before posting the shot.
The full statement read: “The club can confirm that the boots revealed by Paul Mullin on social media will not be worn tonight, or in any other Wrexham AFC fixture and that the photographs taken at the Racecourse Ground were done so without our knowledge or approval.
“For the record, the pictures wouldn’t have been permitted to be taken, had we known, and the issue will be dealt with privately by the club.
“The club has adopted a neutral position on many matters with a political dimension and intends to continue to do so going forward.
“The club also acknowledge that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, whether that be employees or supporters, but would also highlight that an individual view cannot be fairly attributed as the view of everyone or the club itself.
“There is no more prominent example of this than the fact that the MP for the constituency within which the club is found, is a Conservative seat.
“After this unwelcome distraction, the club hopes the focus remains on our objectives of gaining promotion on the field and creating community benefit off it, in which Paul Mullin will continue to play a significant part,”
One person who didn’t appear to have read the club memo was owner Reynolds, however. The actor had liked Mullin’s Instagram post earlier in the day, prior to its disappearance.
Mullins, who has previously played for Morecombe and Tranmere Rovers, has scored 11 times so far this season. Wrexham currently sit second in the National League table.