Former England striker Peter Crouch experienced a very different kind of matchday on Saturday as he led out non-league Farnham Town after finishing bottom of his fantasy football league.
The 44-year-old, who earned 42 England caps, was handed the unusual punishment by his That Peter Crouch Podcast co-hosts Chris Stark and Steve Sidwell. Farnham embraced the moment, giving Crouch the “full mascot matchday experience” for their Southern League Premier Division South fixture against Sholing.
Dressed head to toe in the Farnham kit, the 6ft 7in ex-Liverpool and Stoke forward joined the pre-match meet and greet, took part in half-time entertainment, and even dined with fellow mascots. His towering frame caused one light-hearted problem — he blocked his assigned player’s view during the walkout.
Fans at the Memorial Ground were left amused, with many queueing for autographs and selfies as Crouch soaked up his new role, turning the usual mascot tradition on its head.
