Paddy Pimblett, the popular UFC star, has found himself at the center of a heated controversy after a video of him celebrating Spain’s victory over England in the Euro 2024 final surfaced online.
In the video, Pimblett, better known as “Paddy the Baddy,” can be seen in a pub reacting enthusiastically to Mikel Oyarzabal’s late goal that secured Spain’s 2-1 win over the Three Lions. Pimblett, a native of Liverpool, is heard hurling insults at his fellow pub-goers, who were clearly distraught by England’s loss.
“Yes! Look at all your faces, you f**ing Woolybacks,” Pimblett exclaimed, using a Scouse term to describe those who are not from Liverpool. “Yes! F**king get in! You gang of f**king Wool’s, you gang of Woollyback’s! You f***ing mings!”
Pimblett’s mates in the pub seemed to find his outburst amusing, but many others on social media were less than impressed. The video quickly went viral, with many criticizing the UFC star for his unsportsmanlike behavior.
In response to the backlash, Pimblett took to Instagram to explain his actions. He revealed that he had made a $3,800 bet with his friends, and that he was merely returning the favor after they had celebrated England’s goal earlier in the match.
“That’s what it feels like winning $3,000 in the last minute of the match,” Pimblett wrote. “Anyone that says they wouldn’t celebrate winning a bet like that, you’re absolutely crazy.”
Pimblett’s comments have once again highlighted the complex relationship between many Liverpudlians and the English national team. As he has previously explained, his disdain for the team is due to the chants that are sometimes sung by fans of Liverpool’s Premier League rivals.
While Pimblett’s actions may have been controversial, they have certainly sparked a wider conversation about the regional tensions and rivalries that exist within English football. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the UFC star’s actions will have any lasting impact on his public image or his career.
