World Cup prompts muscle pull crisis for thousands of out of shape fans

12 July 2014

World Cup mania appears to be taking its toll on the bodies of thousands of armchair sports fans across the country. Inspired by the feast of top sporting entertainment many people have taken up kicking their first ball in ages – with pulled muscles, sunburnt and insect stung bodies being the result.

World Cup mania appears to be taking its toll on the bodies of thousands of armchair sports fans across the country.

Inspired by the feast of top sporting entertainment many people have taken up kicking their first ball in ages – with pulled muscles, sunburnt and insect stung bodies being the result.

In the last four weeks sales of pain relief gels, rubs and ointments at Tesco pharmacies across the UK have soared by 20 per cent compared to the three weeks before the World Cup started.

Meanwhile demand for insect bite relief sprays has soared by 50 per cent since the tournament started while after sun sales are up 20 per cent.

Tesco pharmacy spokesman Philip Banks said: “It’s been a common sight in parks and open spaces all over the country in the last four weeks – armchair fans enjoying their first football kickabout in ages.

“Unfortunately for many who haven’t kept their bodies toned up over the years it usually ends with them creasing up in pain while attempting to emulate the wizardry of Lionel Messi or Neyma.”

Sales of elasticated sports bandages are also in higher demand than normal with sales up by 10 per cent in the last four weeks.