AN ONLINE joke that went viral has caused a stir at a grassroots football club prompting a Chinese selection box to be added to the club's menu.
Reading City, who play in the Combined Counties Premier North division, are pleasing foodies and footie fans alike with the introduction Chinese selection boxes.
Twitter account Footy Scran, who compile “the best (and worst) scran you lot get down the football”, were tagged in a 'joke' post about the club's food offerings.
The tweet led the account to believe that a tasty looking Chinese selection box was regularly served at the Rivermoor site, on Scours Lane.
The original post was liked by over 5,000 accounts, one of the most interacted with pieces on the site, but to the disappointment of many was not true.
As a result of the strong reaction, including the story being picked up in the national media, the ninth-tier side have now decided to add it to their full menu.
The new selection box was launched two weeks ago, on November 13, to great success.
Cityzens head of media and marketing Ryan Sheehan said it took everyone at the club by surprise, but the publicity it has afforded the club is invaluable.
He said: "It was only meant to be a joke and I don’t think anyone expected it to blow up as much as it has. It started off as a joke from a friend of the first team manager, Simon Johnson, but blew up overnight.
“The club decided to act upon the interest, and we’ve been serving them ever since.
“It’s certainly put the club on the map, we’ve had coverage nationally and possibly even internationally as a result of the Chinese Selection Boxes.”
For £10 supporters will be treated to a range of treats, including spring rolls and crispy duck, alongside the usual fare of hot dogs and burgers on offer in the hustle and bustle of non-league football.
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