Hashtag United under fire after ‘signing’ AI footballers for YouTube team

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Hashtag United is facing criticism after revealing plans to add two AI-powered influencers to their football team, a move that fans have quickly protested.

Hashtag United first gained attention in 2016 through their YouTube channel. Created by Spencer Owen, who is popular online as SpencerFC, the team started as a group of friends and online creators playing fun football matches against other teams.

Since then, Hashtag – also called The Tags – have become a much more organized team. They now compete in the FA Cup as a semi-professional team within the English football league system. While still some distance from the Premier League, they are getting closer to becoming fully professional.

So, I’m seeing a lot of fans are really upset with the club right now. Apparently, they just signed two AI influencers – Holly Durango and Harvey Casper – and people aren’t happy about it. It’s causing a bit of a stir in the gaming community, honestly.

Exciting news! We’ve signed Holly and Harvey, the world’s first professional AI footballers. While we’re waiting for the technology to be ready, we’re thrilled they’ll be joining us on the field soon.

— Hashtag United (@hashtagutd) October 7, 2025

Hashtag United announce AI footballers for their team

So, I heard the news on October 7th, and it sounds like they’re hinting at some delays with the new characters. Basically, they said we might have to wait a bit longer for them to be playable, but as soon as the tech is ready, they’ll finally hit the field. It’s a little vague, but hopefully it won’t be too long!

Both individuals have a rare condition called “missing body syndrome,” but surprisingly, they both passed their medical exams with excellent results.

Both AI models now have Instagram accounts and have begun posting content, but this has upset many fans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Holly Durango (@holly_hashtag)

One person told them to stop with the foolish behavior, saying everyone knows they’re intelligent. Another criticized the creation of suggestive, AI-generated Instagram accounts connected to the football club, calling it embarrassing and a misjudgment of their fanbase, especially considering the club’s origins within the online community.

I’ve been a member and supporter of this club for almost two and a half years, and honestly, I’m seriously thinking about canceling my membership over this. It’s just really embarrassing, makes people feel objectified, and is just…weird. I really hope they rethink whatever they’re doing.

One longtime fan expressed their disappointment, saying, “I think a lot of us feel this is pointless and don’t understand what the intention behind it was for the Spen.”

Many people think the recent activity might just be a playful stunt by Hashtag, or a clever way to promote the UFL football game they sponsor. However, they haven’t responded to the criticism yet.

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2025-10-10 16:20