Hashtag United have sparked outrage after announcing the signing of two artificial intelligence players named Holly and Harvey.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
The YouTube-founded club claimed the duo are the “world’s first AI professional footballers,” though their debuts will only come “as soon as technology allows.”
A club statement joked that both are suffering from “missing body syndrome” but had “miraculously passed their medicals.”
The announcement split opinion online, with many fans furious over what they saw as a publicity stunt.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
@CalMosFooty said: “Unlike some, I’ve always supported the Hashtag United journey… but my oh my, they have had an absolute shocker with this. Game is absolutely gone. Keep this crap as far away from football as possible.”
Another fan, @Nebrisbeef, wrote: “Spencer… please stop this stupid bs before it goes further. Respect it and stop killing the world it has to grow up in.”
@mxrwanlfc added: “Is this how you’re using investors’ funds? AI garbage? Very disappointing.”
Others called for calm, with @TheUnknownMando saying: “People not understanding the actual sarcasm/joke and just thinking this is real.”
Founded in 2016 by YouTuber Spencer Carmichael-Brown, Hashtag United rose from exhibition matches to the seventh-tier Isthmian League Premier Division.
They currently sit 14th in the table after ten matches, with three wins, two draws, and five defeats.