Nike has apologized for promoting Liverpool FC footballs bearing the “96” symbol, the number of others who died in the Hillsborough Stadium crisis in 1989.
Along with number 96, the football used the eternal flame, designed as a tribute to deceased enthusiasts, along the club’s shield and Nike logo.
The merchandise, which went on sale at Nike Town on Oxford Street in London, provoked anger and frustration, and added to people close to those who died as a result of the tragedy.
The design of the footballs first gave the impression this summer, which led Liverpool to apologize that they said production would stop and that there had been a “error in the design process. “
The families of the deceased enthusiasts asked questions about how some of the bullets still ended up in the drawings.
Lou Brookes, whose brother Andrew died in Hillsborough, tweeted, “I’m so hurt and angry, especially after we were promised in July that he had been removed from production and just a mistake. “
Nike apologized for promoting Liverpool FC footballs (pictured) bearing the symbol “96”, the number of others who died in the Hillsborough Stadium crisis in 1989
Nike told Liverpool Echo that the balloons that arrived at the store had been withdrawn from sale and that investigations into what happened were ongoing.
Liverpool FC also apologized and said they would do the investigation.
Images of the balloons on sale gave the impression online over the weekend, prompting immediate criticism.
They resulted in protests in Nike and Liverpool FC by several relatives of those who suffered the tragedy of the 1989 FA Cup semi-final.
Number 96 is in the eternal flames on the CFL jerseys in homage to the 96 innocent men, women and young men who died in the worst sports stadium disaster in Britain.
Although a tribute is offered on Liverpool FC jerseys, it has long been agreed that it will not be used in products.
In addition to the number 96, soccer used the Eternal Flame, the symbol designed in triyete for deceased enthusiasts, along the club’s crest and Nike logo. It will not be used in the products.
Deanna Matthews, whose uncle Brian Matthews, one of Liverpool FC’s enthusiasts who died in the tragedy, said she was “disgusted” with the production of football.
Matthews said: “Using ’96 and flames as a corporate marketing tool is nothing yet an insult.
“Especially on a football, of all things.
She said that after 31 years of being ‘pillar to post’ through the crusade for justice, the LFC and Nike have helped by creating a 96 ball and the flames that will literally start. ”
Edited through Associated Newspapers Ltd
Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday and Metro Media Group