Major Australian retailer ROASTED for shocking Matildas clanger online ahead of the Asian Cup - but one great of the game thinks it may have been on purpose

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Major Australian retailer Kmart has been roasted online following a huge clanger involving the Matildas ahead of the Asian Cup - and Simon Hill, the former 'voice of Australia Football', believes it could have been a deliberate act.

A fan spotted the embarrassing merchandise error on Kmart's website, where a model can be seen in a Matildas supporter top ahead of the tournament starting in Perth on March 1.

Problem is the model can be seen clutching a footy from a rival code - a yellow AFL Sherrin match-day ball.

Hill wondered if the clanger was no accident.

'Another little example of how football in Australia is never allowed to enjoy its moment in the sun,' he posted on X.

'I can't think of another place on the planet that would make this mistake...if indeed it is a mistake.

'Reckon they'd put a pic up of an AFL player carrying a football ️in grand final week?

'Tbf (to be fair) this is Kmart — but you do have to wonder how such a basic mistake is allowed through.'

Others bemused Matildas fans were quick to poke fun at Kmart, who have over 300 retail stores across Australia.

'They literally sell Matildas soccer balls,' said one.

'Just embarrassing. Shows just how 'thin' their support really is,' offered another.

'How pathetic,' a third bluntly added.

Aussie retailer Kmart has been roasted online following a huge clanger involving the Matildas ahead of the Asian Cup (pictured, a model in Matildas gear while holding an AFL Sherrin footy)

Simon Hill - the voice of football in Australia - wondered if the clanger was actually deliberate

It didn't take long for bemused fans to poke fun at Kmart, with one pointing out the retailer have Matildas soccer balls available for fans online and in store

Meanwhile, star midfielder Hayley Raso said the Tillies are embracing the huge level of expectation from home fans ahead of the Asian Cup

Sam Kerr will captain the Matildas - and she is the only current Aussie player to have won the Asian Cup - in 2010, when the striker was a teenager

A Kmart spokesperson eventually responded to the Daily Mail's request for comment.

'We are aware of a product image that appeared briefly on our website showing a model wearing a Matildas shirt while holding an Australian Rules football and we have formally apologised to Football Australia and the Matildas,' the statement read.

'We also extend this apology to all football fans for this unintended error. 

'This mistake occurred due to a genuine human error, and the image was removed as soon as it was identified, and Kmart have taken this issue extremely seriously.'

Meanwhile, star midfielder Hayley Raso said the Tillies are embracing the huge level of expectation from home fans.

The Matildas have only won the Asian Cup once - in 2010 - but many locals feel they are certainties to hoist the silverware in the March 21 final.

'We know a lot of people want us to do well,' Raso said.

'I think we are probably our harshest critics....(but) we love the pressure, we love performing here in Australia.

'We want to win games, so I think that's what pushes us the most.'

Elsewhere, as anticipation built towards the start of the Asian Cup, three Matildas superfans met their football heroes in the flesh last week.

Matilda (34, from Queensland), Nevaeh (13, from NSW), Georgia (10, from the ACT) rubbed shoulders with the likes of Amy Sayer, Katrina Gorry, Michelle Heyman and Holly McNamara in Perth.

It was part of a campaign driven by Allianz, with the focus connecting fans with players who inspire them.

All the Matildas' Asian Cup matches will be broadcast live on Network 10, while every tournament game can be streamed on Paramount+.