People in Manchester were left horrified when they came across the ‘vile’ display at their local Asda.
In it, a mannequin - dressed in camouflage - could be seen lying sprawled in a bed of poppies.
Shoppers took to Twitter to vent their fury over the tribute to fallen heroes, with one social media user writing: “How anybody ever thought this was a good idea at @asda needs their head testing. Absolutely disgusting”
Another tweeted: “Disgusting! How is this showing respect?
“It needs dismantling at one!”
Brad Wray, who served in the Royal Air Force for seven years, also complained about the tribute to Manchester Evening News, saying: “As someone who is ex-forces, I found it in pretty bad taste.
“Everything done by the Royal British Legion is very professional and respectful.
“For someone who has served and seen casualties on the battlefield, or a family member who has lost someone, to walk and see that could really trigger stress."
The display has since been removed, although a spokesperson for the supermarket insisted the display was meant to be a mark of respect.
They explained: "Our colleagues have been holding fundraising activities in stores to support the Poppy Appeal and it was not our intention to cause offence with the poppy display at the Harpurhey store.
"There were a couple of complaints about the use of the mannequin within the display so a decision was made to remove the mannequin but leave the rest of the display and poppies standing."
However some have attacked the supermarket for giving in to pressure, insisting the display should have been retained.
One incensed shopper wrote on Facebook: “Removed a fallen soldier poppy statue because it offended people. Well it’s removal offends me.”
And another added: “Cowards! It’s disgusting that you have removed the poppy display.
“I’ve spent my last penny in any Asda.”