Spitting Image criticised over the show’s new Marcus Rashford puppet

Spitting Image has been criticised after it unveiled a new puppet of Marcus Rashford.

The satirical puppet show was lambasted for its depiction of the England footballer, with critics both questioning the show’s decision to target him while he has been subjected to racist abuse, and suggesting that it does not resemble him in any way.

The original version of Spitting Image ran in the 1980s and 1990s and satirised politics, entertainment, sport and British popular culture of the era. The first series of the revived show first aired last year and the next series is expected to air in September.

Rashford suffered racist abuse after the Euro 2020 final in which England lost to Italy in a tense penalty shootout. Following the abuse, politicians intervened to protect the footballer and Rashford issued a statement outlining his experiences.

And it is not the first time Spitting Image has been slammed for going too far. After it depicted Greta Thunberg in 2020, some said it was unfair to target her. The show issued a statement explaining it stood by its decision, adding “it’s nothing to do with her as an individual”.

BritBox, which airs the show exclusively, has not yet commented on their decision to depict the footballer despite criticism.

BritBox has been contacted for comment.