Inspired by the international success of the Spartan-clad warriors on London’s tube for the promotion of “300: Rise of an Empire”, Spartan warriors stormed through the streets of Beijing for a publicity stunt aimed at promoting …salad eating. Unfortunately, they got more than they bargained for as police detained at least two of the dozens of foreign men dressed as Spartans.

The leather loin-clad lads in flowing capes handed out salads to bemused office workers and commuters. Police, however, were not impressed and held the men for “disrupting public order”. Sweetie Salad, the online salad company, is now in trouble for organizing a promotional campaign in public areas without informing Chinese authorities.

Beijing police issued a statement on their official account on Thursday stating that they had received complaints by members of the Chinese public regarding the curious “foreign men in shorts” attracting a stream of curious watchers.