FED-UP soccer fan Neil Bullock has blown the whistle on Manchester United's new strip - when it fell apart after just one wash.

Mr Bullock could not believe his eyes when the £39 Sharpe shirt turned pink - just days after it was bought.

The 45-year-old painter and decorator, who works in Germany, bought the shirt from Gibson Sports, Deansgate, Bolton.

He intended to wear it in Germany to show his European pals, many of them keen supporters.

Mr Bullock, of Chatburn Road, Bolton, said: "Really, I'm a keen Bolton Wanderers fan but I bought the strip to give my German friends something to identify with. Not many people have heard of Bolton.

"But it was disgusting. After just one wash the Umbro shirt collar turned pink.

"The quality of the whole garment is horrible. I cannot believe that this can cost so much money.

"How many more people have been taken in?"

Mr Bullock, who claims the shop at first refused to help him out, said: "In future I'm going to wear a Bolton Wanderers shirt."

Gibson Sports have since resolved Mr Bullock's problem and he has now been given his money back.

A spokesman for Gibson's Sports said the delay in refunding had been caused because Mr Bullock had not kept his receipt.

But since Mr Bullock spoke to the BEN, the shop has discovered that a small batch of the tops had been faulty.

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