A Walkers Crisps PR campaign fronted by Gary Lineker has backfired in spectacular fashion - the end result being the football legend holding up portraits of questionable characters, who also perform a Mexican wave.
The crisps giant asks users to send in selfies on Twitter to feature in the #WalkersWave, with the prize of Champions League tickets on offer. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, one of selfies was of serial killer Harold Shipman.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5926fc8a1600002200ddcce0.png?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
And disgraced BBC star Jimmy Savile.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5927046d2000003200cb2a57.png?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
And another mass murderer, Fred West.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5926faf52000003a0016ed9f.png?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
And Rolf Harris, who has recently been released from jail.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5926ff9a1600002200ddccf8.png?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
This is Harold Shipman doing a Mexican wave.
And the ‘Yorkshire Ripper’, Peter Sutcliffe.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5927009b2000004700cb2a4e.png?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
And Russian dictator, Joseph Stalin.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/592704d92000003200cb2a58.png?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
But it wasn’t all bad buys. Here’s former US Vice-President Joe Biden.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/592700d21600002200ddccff.png?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
In a statement, the firm apologised for “irresponsible and offensive posts by individuals”, and said the campaign has been shut down.
Each video started with Lineker holding a framed picture in front of his face, and the Mach of the Day presenter saying: “Thanks for joining the Walkers Wave and celebrating the UEFA Champions League final.”
Lineker pauses to look at the portrait of the “entrant” before turning to the camera, and adding: “Nice selfie”.
A Walkers Crisps spokesperson said:
“We recognise people were offended by irresponsible and offensive posts by individuals, and we apologise. We are equally upset and have shut down all activity.”