Hartlepool United kit makers face a backlash over their much loved Remembrance shirt, something they do on a yearly basis.
Irish Republican groups have been left furious over their annual Remembrance shirts, which are produced by Irish firm O’Neills to honour the British armed forces.
The Anti-Imperialist Action Ireland group tweeted a picture of the Pools shirts in calling for people to boycott O’Neills.
The bloodstained Poppy is not a symbol of peace and remembrance. It glorifies imperialism and the bloody trail of the British Empire across the globe.
AIA will remove and dispose of poppies in Ireland whenever possible
Shame on O’Neills Sportswear and all who promote the poppy pic.twitter.com/bDiZldTT3u
— Anti Imperialist Action Ireland (@AIAIreland) October 26, 2020
The group accused the shirt makers of ‘collaborating with the forces of the British occupation’
Far-left political party Saoradh said it had been brought to its attention that O’Neills has been manufacturing clothing with ‘symbols of war and imperialism’ on them.
In a letter to O’Neills posted on the Facebook page of Saoradh’s Dublin branch, the organisation said: “We highlighted this on some of our social media platforms and we were overwhelmed with the responses of disappointment, hurt and anger at your decision to carry this range of clothing.
“We urge you to think ethically as a company and not turn your backs on communities in Ireland and further afield that have suffered at the hands of the British Army.”
A spokeswoman for O’Neills Irish International Sports Company said: “As a leading sportswear manufacturer, we supply customers all over the world with a varied range of playing and leisurewear.
“Our state-of-the-art production process allows our contracted buyers on occasion to design and customise kits in a style which they feel will help meet their customer demand.
“O’Neill’s endeavour to meet the requirements of all our customers wherever possible.”
Hartlepool United has so far not commented on the backlash.
We are delighted to announce this years Remembrance Day shirt
This year will focus on the 80 year anniversary of the Battle of Britain as we show our gratitude to all those who gave their lives.
You can pre order now and here are all the details: https://t.co/da3f52MRj5
— Hartlepool United FC (@Official_HUFC) October 22, 2020
Hartlepool United’s Acting Executive Director Martin Jesper said: “This is a tradition that deserves its continuation so we can show our respect to all service personnel.
“Our respect goes to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
The Battle of Britain design was decided upon after consultation with supporter group representatives.
Hartlepool are planning to wear it for their National League fixture against Wrexham at Victoria Park on Tuesday the 17th of November.
Last season’s shirt had images of Navy personnel as well as the ship RML 497 which is currently housed at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool, itself a survivor of the Second World War.
Fans reacted before the Hartlepool kit makers faced a backlash over this year’s Remembrance shirt…
Love the shirt but why have we not kept the poppy on the shirt?
— Ben Clark (@ben_clark_86) October 22, 2020
Nice one ?
— the doctor (@ruiningfootball) October 22, 2020
@giantpoppywatch solid effort, but no poppy.
— Stefan Berry (@StefanMBerry) October 22, 2020
Oh. Well this is something. https://t.co/ENkPOtRumP
— Jamie (@JamieGriff97) October 22, 2020
Where’s the poppy
— Richard Haygarth (@Richardhaygarth) October 22, 2020
@FACupFactfile: Love this shirt produced by Hartlepool United for #RemembranceDay @footballandwar
@NickMiller79: Leicester had actual military vehicles outside their ground during Respectapalooza last year, but for me this is a step up.
@_CJenkins95: Absolutely unreal, fair play
@fistedaway: Disgraceful, it hasn’t even got a poppy on it
@kev_brackstone: Lovely shirt yet again but no poppy? #LestWeForget
@panarinshufc: that’s gorgeous
@benkirgy: I reckon if my Grandad was still with us, he’d be embarrassed by what has become of Remembrance Day. It’s no longer about the people like him and paying respect to them. It’s just a big nationalist holiday. Absolutely pathetic.
Derek Malcolm: As usual…. Pools take the lead in commemorative shirts. Well done Pools
Andrew Parker: Wow, tremendous!!
David Robinson: Yea where’s the poppy class shirt otherwise
Jarred Price: Unreal every single year
Kyle Hinchley: Absolutely gorgeous
Jason Lee: This is fantastic once again. I’m surprised more clubs haven’t done something similar to help raise money. Doing yourself proud Hartlepool. Fair play
Christopher Hackworth: That’s a stunning shirt
Michael Hørseman: Now that’s class
See Also: Hartlepool go viral after unveiling this year’s Remembrance Day shirt
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