Nike is being criticized by the English because of a detail in England’s new home shirt. The brand changed the colors of the English flag on one of the uniforms. In addition to fans, the country’s politicians are also dissatisfied.
The mantle will be used by England in the Euro 2024 contest and was presented together with other sponsored nations, including Brazil. Soon after the launch, the English began to criticize Nike’s choice to change the colors of the English flag present on the back of the collar of the home uniform. The Cruz de São Jorge, which was originally red, appears in shades of purple and blue.
Since last Monday (18), when the kit was released on social media, Nike has faced a revolt on social media, open criticism in the press and the threat of a boycott of its products. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticized the choice of brand and declared that he prefers the original flag.
Obviously I prefer the original. When it comes to our national flag, we shouldn’t mess with it, because they are a source of pride, of identity, of who we are, and they are perfect as they are, said Sunak.
The uniform’s debut was precisely in the friendly against the Brazilian team, last Saturday (23), at Wembley Stadium in London.
The brand positioned itself officially. In its publication on X, before all the controversy, Nike described the change in the flag as a fun update, which was intended to unite and inspire.
However, in the face of criticism, she took a stand again, highlighting that she had no intention of offending English fans. According to the company, the change was inspired by the training uniform used by the 1966 team, which won the World Cup.
We have been a proud partner of the English Football Association since 2012 and understand the meaning and importance of St George’s Cross. It was never our intention to offend, given what this means to English fans. Together with the FA, the intention was to celebrate the heroes of 1966 and their achievements. The finish on the cuffs is inspired by the training equipment worn by the English heroes of 1966, with a gradient of blues and reds covered in purple. The same colors also present an interpretation of the flag on the back of the collar”, concluded the company.
*With information from MKT Esportivo/Divulgao/Nike
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