Mascot challenge as NI v Wales escalates

The good-natured rivalry ahead of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2016 game against Wales is hotting up, with their local ice hockey teams setting their mascots at loggerheads.

The Belfast Giants suggested that if Northern Ireland beat Wales, their Cardiff Devils rivals should make their mascot Taz wear a Giants jersey.

But if Wales win, Giants mascot Finn McCool would have to pull on a Devils jersey.

And the Devils were only too keen to accept the challenge.

“Hey, Belfast Giants - we are so IN,” they tweeted.

“Like a Gareth Bale goal past your keeper …”

They clearly haven’t been watching Michael McGovern’s superb performances for Northern Ireland – and the Giants were having none of it.

“Who??” they replied.

“Anyways, Cardiff Devils, what jersey size is Taz? Finn wants to save time and get a Giants jersey ready …”

The Northern Ireland team quickly got in on the act, helpfully Photoshopping a Giants kit onto Taz just to let the Devils know what they were in for.

It comes after Wales suggested Joe Allen had a solution if Northern Ireland played “on fire” striker Will Grigg in Saturday’s last 16 game.

Northern Ireland play Wales on Saturday at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris with kick-off at 5pm.

Game on!