BRITISH speedway bosses have been slammed as a “JOKE” for using ex-Page 3 girl Linda Lusardi to do their cup draw.
The former glamour model unexpectedly presented the MAXiCab Championship knockout competition ties on a video for the governing body’s official social media channels.
But fans voiced their anger in the comments for the random choice of celebrity used after she pronounced Workington as “Wokeington” with club names on bits of paper pulled out of an orange bag.
Lusardi, now 67, dished out some good draws with KO Cup holders Poole taking on Scunthorpe while Glasgow face a long trek to Plymouth.
But one fan said: “Is this a joke? Please tell me this is a joke!! F*** me British speedway has literally reached the bottom the barrel!!!”
Another said: “Just to think – someone has pitched that as a good idea and a second person has approved it. Mind boggling.”
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One fuming fan added: “This is what British speedway has come down to, it’s only January but could go down as any early April fools joke.”
Two speedway supporters likened it to the famous tipsy Scottish Cup fiasco a few years ago. One added: “Reminds me of when Rod Stewart did the Scottish Cup draw.”
Another said: “That loud bang you just heard was speedway’s credibility shooting itself in the head.”
One fan joked: “The sport’s going t**s up.”
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On X a supporter added: “What a complete and utter s***show! Just how low has this sport fallen for it to even begin to think that a former page three model from the last century pulling cheap pieces of paper from a paper bag in a hotel bedroom would be good advertisement for the sport! Embarrassing!”
One continued: “Thank you for the effort to the lady
“But Jesus Christ whoever is making these decisions should be gotten rid of and all the crew with them embarrassing.”
There were a couple of positive responses to Lusardi’s video. One fan argued: “Do speedway fans have to be so negative about everything.”
Another said: “Great idea, draw being shown live and getting Linda involved, nice mix up of ties.”
Ex-West Ham and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp revealed last October that he was getting involved in the sport to raise its profile.
He said: “It’s a great sport, great atmosphere for all the family to come and watch.
“These boys who race are so brave and their skill is fantastic on these bikes.
“When you look at sport and how darts has become so big and snooker has been revamped.
“Someone like Barry Hearn who can get hold of speedway, it’s a fantastic viewing sport.
“I just think people would love to watch it on TV more and coming to the tracks around the country.”
