Of all the days for a Brit named Oliver Watkins to be arrested, the day after his namesake fired England into a final probably isn’t one of them.
That’s exactly what’s happened to a 32-year-old convict who became subject to a manhunt on Wednesday. And surprise, surprise when Norfolk Police published an update on social media, comments were only going to go one way.
Cops described Watkins as being 6ft 3ins tall – a good four inches taller than the Aston Villa forward – of slim build and walks with a slight limp.
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Watkins, of no fixed address in the Watton area, was wanted on recall to prison, breach of court bail and failing to appear at court.
(Image: Norfolk Police)
Just hours after (Ollie) Watkins netted an absolute rocket in the dying moments of England’s match against The Netherlands to seal a place in the Euro 2024 final, his criminal namesake was back in custody.
Norfolk Police wrote: “We recently shared a wanted appeal for 32-year-old Oliver Watkins from Watton. He has now been arrested. Thank you to the public for your support with this appeal.”
Cue a flurry of football-based banter pleading for Watkins to be let off without penalty.
X user Tom replied: “Come on boys let him off he got us into the final.”
(Image: Getty Images)
North Herts Nick quipped: “Nicked for pickpocketing the Dutch defence.” “Thanks to Dortmund police for their cooperation,” another said and the jokes kept coming.
“Let him off lads, he’s just saved the country,” someone laughed.
Saturns a vampire got in on the act: “Hate to be a snitch mate, but i think i saw him on the telly scoring for england last night?”
Police also put out an appeal to find Watkins in April when he was wanted on recall to prison and for breach of court bail but he was located the next day.
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