Ladbrokes has been censured over using an image of a Dutch footballer of Manchester United in a betting promotion.

In a money-back offer through email, Ladbrokes featured the photo of the 21-year-old Manchester United star Memphis Depay, violating advertising code prohibiting gambling companies to use images of people who are or who appear to be under 25 in any marketing communication to protect young people. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said this can only be allowed on the company’s website or if the person is the subject of a bet being offered.

ASA described the ad as “irresponsible” and said the ad must not appear again in its current form.

Ladbrokes acknowledged that the use of Depay’s image in the context of an email was not acceptable, and has reminded their marketing team of their obligations under the advertising code.