Greene King pubs launch false nine beer offer for summer

Do you know your false nines from your inverted fullbacks? Greene King Brewery is offering patrons the chance to win a free drink on Wednesday, May 29, if they can answer one question.

The offer comes as a nationwide survey by Greene King revealed just how much Brits know about the beautiful game – with nearly one in five admitting they don’t know any football lingo at all.

Proving one of the most troublesome phrases, almost three in four Brits are unfamiliar with the modern false nine position, which has inspired Greene King’s brand-new False Nine golden ale; a four per cent, easy-drinking beer that makes for the perfect accompaniment for the football, with refreshing citrus and tropical notes.

False Nine (Image: Greene King)

The false nine position refers to a striker who operates in a deeper role than usual, linking the play with the midfield to the wide areas or helping the team progress up the pitch.

To celebrate the launch of the new drink, Greene King will be giving away free pints of
False Nine across 532 pubs nationwide, but only if punters can name a false nine player, including the top five voted for in the UK-wide survey.

The top five revealed by the survey are:

1. Lionel Messi, 22 per cent
2. Phil Foden, 10 per cent
3. Johan Cruyff, 10 per cent
4. Roberto Firmino, 7 per cent
5. Francesco Totti, 6 per cent

False Nine will be available in selected pubs specifically for the summer’s sporting occasion, running from May 19, right through to the Euros final on July 14.

Former Arsenal and England forward Alan Smith, has partnered with Greene King to encourage fans into their local pub this summer to put their football lingo to the test and get hold of a free pint.

Alan said: "The modern false nine is quite a tricky position to define so it’s not surprising to hear the nation is a bit confused by what exactly it means. From Messi to Firmino, there have been some iconic footballers that have played in this role so it’s great to see a nod to the position with the launch of Greene King’s new False Nine golden ale.

"Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual supporter who doesn’t even know what the offside rule is, now’s the time to get behind the nation and cheer them on to glory this summer. And what better way to do it than at the pub with your friends and family – and a refreshing pint of False Nine in hand?

"So, head to your local Greene King on Wednesday 29th May, simply name a false nine player to grab your free drink. Maybe I’ll see you there!"

Will Hemmings, marketing director for brewing and brands at Greene King, said: “We are delighted to launch our new False Nine beer, in perfect time for this summer’s football. To celebrate the launch, we’re going to be giving away the pint for free for one day only in selected Greene King Pubs, but only to those that can prove their football knowledge by naming a false nine player, including those voted the top five players by our nationwide survey."

To find a participating Greene King pub go to: www.greeneking.co.uk/our-beers/seasonal-range/false-nine/pint-finder