English football club West Bromwich Albion revealed their new mascot to fans at their season opener on Saturday, although the bizarre addition to the club’s ranks didn’t seem to go down too well.
‘Boiler Man’ emerged onto the pitch to greet supporters ahead of the team’s opening day clash at the Hawthorns against Bolton in England’s second-tier Championship.
The mascot is a nod to the club’s new sponsorship deal with company Ideal Boilers.
It’s safe to say the white home appliance soon felt the heat from fans, with some in the away section heard breaking out into a chorus of “what the f***ing hell is that?” and others simply laughing.
The boiler did melt some fans' hearts after a while though, and seemed to take the stick in good humor.
West Brom – who were relegated from the Premier League last season – went on to lose the game 2-1 after a late winner from Bolton’s Yanic Wildschut.
Fans will hope the boiler can fire up the team better the next time they turn out at home against Queens Park Rangers on August 18.