Paddy Power takes a pop at England

As Ireland gears up to face England for the first time since fans tore up Lansdowne Road 20 years ago, Paddy Power is battening down the hatches at its closest shop to the ground — by bubble wrapping it.

The bookmaker is covering the exterior of its Baggot St outlet with bubble wrap in hope of avoiding any damage from “violent yobs and hooligans who may infiltrate the Three Lions’ well-meaning travelling support”.

“It’s not that I’m anti-English,” said a spokesman.