Former Morrisons manager Kevin Smith, a retired professional wrestler who once faced Big Daddy, has condemned the sacking of store boss Sean Egan and switched his loyalty to Lidl. Smith, 66, spent 20 years as 'Sgt Sizzler' in the ring before moving into retail as a loss prevention manager for Morrisons. He now says he is boycotting his former employer after Egan was dismissed for confronting a thief who spat in his face.
Smith's wrestling career
Kevin Smith, originally from Market Drayton in Shropshire, began his wrestling career after a promoter needed a last-minute replacement. The promoter decided Smith looked like an 'evil b*****d' traffic cop, giving him the ring name Sgt Sizzler. He later fought iconic wrestler Big Daddy.
Loss prevention at Morrisons
In the 1990s, Smith joined Morrisons as a loss prevention manager. He used wrestling moves to detain shoplifters, often grabbing them 'by the scruff of the neck'. He faced knives, syringes, and even had his car damaged by thieves. Despite his age, Smith says he can still handle himself.
Sean Egan controversy
Sean Egan, a Morrisons manager in Aldridge, Walsall, was sacked after 29 years for making contact with a thief's face while ejecting him from the store. The case sparked national outrage, with politicians and the Metropolitan Police chief condemning the decision. Morrisons boss Rami Baitieh said the public reporting did not reflect the full facts.
Smith's reaction
Smith said Egan 'did the right thing' and called his treatment 'disgusting'. He believes former chairman Ken Morrison would have supported Egan. Smith now shops at Lidl, stating: 'It's wrong how this has happened.' Morrisons declined to comment on Smith's boycott.
