Nike Faces Backlash Over Controversial England Shirt Design
Nike and the Football Association (FA) are facing increasing pressure to recall England’s new shirt before its debut match against Brazil. The kit, which has caused uproar among former players, fans, and even politicians, features a controversial redesign of the St George’s cross on the collar. Instead of the traditional red on a white background, the cross now consists of red, purple, and blue on a navy background. Nike claims that this update was intended to be a “playful” and “inspiring” twist on the classic design.
However, this explanation has not appeased the growing number of dissenters. Former England midfielder Joey Barton criticized the palette on the new jersey, comparing it to the Genderfluid Pride flag and accusing Nike of trying to incorporate “woke, gay communist nonsense” into the national team’s jersey. Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, also weighed in on the debate, urging Nike not to tamper with one of England’s symbols. He emphasized that national flags are a source of pride and identity that should not be changed.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, stating that the flag is a unifying symbol that does not need to be altered. He called for a reconsideration of the design change and expressed doubt over Nike’s justification for making the alteration in the first place.
Despite the backlash, Nike has announced that they will not recall the shirt. In a statement, they emphasized that the design was inspired by the training gear worn by England’s 1966 World Cup legends. The trim on the cuffs features a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple, which is also reflected in the interpretation of the St George’s flag on the back of the collar.
The controversy surrounding the new England shirt design has generated significant attention and debate. Former England stars have expressed their disapproval of the kit, while politicians and fans alike have voiced their concerns. As the debut match against Brazil approaches, all eyes will be on the players as they step onto the Wembley turf in a shirt that has divided opinions and sparked a heated discussion about national symbols in sport.