Viral "Hamster" gives new meaning to "be the ball"

Out-Law.com reports that a viral ad by Newhaven Agency for UK Powerleague, which hosts five-a-side tournaments for companies like Bank of Scotland, 3i, and Punch Pubs, isn't being banned by the ASA after one person complained.

The viral features a woman playing with her hamster in a hamster ball, only to be interrupted by her boyfriend coming home, flicking it up to his knees and his neck, then volleying it out a fifth floor window. Once on the ground outside another man sees it and, as he prepares for a kick, the hamster squeaks. A subtitle reads: "bugger". The ad ends with the line: "Get your kicks at Powerleague."

The complaintant told the ASA "the ad was irresponsible because it condoned and could encourage animal cruelty". The ASA ruled that most people would see it as light-hearted and fanciful.

See the ad here.

As the site says "No hamsters were harmed in the making of the film, but the lead actor did stub his toe on a coffee table."

Client: Powerleague