Idly flicking through the free local paper, I came across this ad:

It’s for a new betting shop that’s just opened locally. Obviously that’s exactly what we need more of. But much more than that was one of the celebrity attendees to the opening.
Paul Merson!
He was a wonderful footballer who played for Arsenal amongst other teams, but he’s also a man who’s famously battled with booze and gambling. He’s written two books on the subject for goodness sake.
So what on earth is he doing, in the pay of a betting company at the grand opening of their new branch? You wouldn’t invite an alcoholic to a pub opening would you?
The company behind this new store opening – Better Bet – must be completely mad. First, employing someone famous for being addicted to gambling, is not exactly a great advert for your product. And secondly, it’s irresponsible even having him in that environment.
I don’t know what Paul Merson’s current circumstances are. Wikipedia reports that he pens a column for the official Arsenal magazine, and he does indeed pop up on Sky Sports from time to time. It can’t be easy for him. But this is not the way forward for anyone’s sake.
Truly awful.