Nike is facing criticism to remove a flag design from their latest England soccer kit. This includes concerns raised by UK opposition leader Keir Starmer. The new jersey showcases a small cross of St. George in various colors on the back of the collar, deviating from the usual red cross and white background of the English flag.
Nike described the design as a "playful update" to the flag, incorporating shades of blue, purple, and red to unite and inspire. The top will be worn by England's players at the upcoming European Championships in Germany.
Labour Party leader Starmer told UK tabloid The Sun that he believes the flag does not need to be changed. He expressed his support for the flag, stating that he is a big football fan and sees the flag being used by everyone at England games, both men's and women's. Starmer emphasized that the flag serves as a unifier and that people should take pride in it.
“I think they should just reconsider this and change it back. I’m not even sure they can properly explain why they thought they needed to change it in the first place.”
England captain Harry Kane wears his national team's new kit.
England captain Harry Kane wears his national team's new kit.
The FA/Getty Images
Starmer pointed out that the shirt is priced at £124.99 (approximately $157) on the Nike website and suggested that the price should be lowered. The men's jersey is currently out of stock on the Nike website, but the women's and kids' versions are available.
CNN has reached out to Nike for a response.
The company has recently launched a new away kit for the Three Lions, featuring a purple color with multi-colored side panels. However, it is the flag design on the home jersey that has stirred up the most discussion on social media. Some people believe it is disrespectful, while others think it is harmless and that people are overreacting.
UK lawmaker Emily Thornberry expressed her opinion on the matter during an interview with Sky News on Friday. She pointed out that it would be unexpected for Nike to look at the Welsh flag and decide to change the dragon to a pussycat.
I can't believe they changed the England flag like this. And why are there bits of purple in the French Tricolor? It's so confusing.
Nike has faced backlash before for their England football jerseys. Last year, they didn't even sell the uniform worn by goalkeeper Mary Earps, even though she won the Golden Glove award and tried to promote it.
Nike realized that they were not meeting the needs of fans who wanted to support their team's goalkeepers. As a result, they decided to make goalkeeper jerseys for several teams available for purchase.
Editor's P/S:
The recent alteration of the English flag on Nike's latest soccer kit has sparked controversy, with UK opposition leader Keir Starmer expressing his disappointment. The new design, which incorporates a colorful cross of St. George on the collar, has drawn criticism for deviating from the traditional red cross and white background. Starmer believes the flag should remain unchanged, emphasizing its unifying power and the pride it evokes in England fans.
Nike's decision to modify the flag has been met with mixed reactions. While some see it as a harmless update, others view it as disrespectful. The company's past missteps, such as failing to sell goalkeeper Mary Earps' jersey last year, have also contributed to the backlash. It remains to be seen whether Nike will reconsider the design or if the controversy will subside as the European Championships approach. inclusivity and responsiveness to fan feedback in the design process.
