LOCAL fans are being urged not to score an own goal by purchasing fake football shirts during the World Cup.
With the event now underway and England preparing to get their tournament up and running next week, supporters will be looking to back Thomas Tuchel's men all the way to the final.
But Staffordshire Trading Standards officials have warned people not to commit a foul by buying counterfeit kits.
Officers say that while official shirts safety checks, fakes skip such steps and can leave buyers with poor quality clothing or items that contain harmful toxins from dyes and materials.
Cllr Anthony Screen, cabinet member for community safety and resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
"Lots of people will be looking forward to cheering on England in the World Cup which means looking the part and getting a shirt.
"We always see an increase in reports of counterfeit shirts in the run up to major football tournaments like the World Cup, which is why we’re reminding people about the risks of buying fakes.
"Not only will you end up with poor quality items, but many fakes pose safety risks and often fund extremely serious criminal activity.
"Our message to football fans is simple – if a deal on a shirt looks too good to be true, it probably is, and it’s probably a fake.
"By choosing genuine products and buying from reputable retailers, you’ll help protect yourself and support local businesses. "
People with concerns about the sale of counterfeit goods can report them online or by calling 01785 330356.
