Newport’s Goldie Lookin’ Chain-inspired kit has been removed from sale after receiving a threat of legal action against them.
The League Two side launched their checked change strip back in September in collaboration with rap group GLC who hail from the Welsh city.
However, reports have emerged, claiming that Burberry – via a solicitor – almost immediately wrote to County once the shirt was launched to inform them they had breached their copyright.
It has gone on to leave Newport County with no option other than to pull the kit off their official website.
County hadn’t even put the shirts up in their city centre club shop by the time Burberry’s email came through.
Supporters who had ordered the shirt – which went viral online when it was released with the help of GLC – were told by the Exiles’ kit supplier Hummel they would no longer be receiving the product.
A letter from Hummel to County supporters has been seen and it blames production issues – brought on by the Covid pandemic – for the shirt being discontinued.
It fails to mention any legal issue with Burberry.
A group of Newport fans who did get hold of a GLC third shirt in the short time before sales were stopped have even received emails asking if they would return the kit.
It is understood the majority of those who own a shirt have declined to do so.
Hummel’s email to Newport supporters reads: “Unfortunately, due to Covid-related issues within our factories, raw material availability and production issues, we have now been told we will not be receiving our main bulk delivery.
“Sadly, because of this change of circumstances, the club will no longer be receiving their allocation of the Newport County 2021/22 third shirt and unfortunately will no longer be playing in this shirt during the current season. The club will not be using an alternative third kit.
“This is extremely disappointing news for the brand and all Newport AFC fans who were looking forward to seeing the shirt on the pitch.”
The shirt gaffe is of disappointing for the club who often hit the headlines for their giant killing cup exploits on the field in the last four years.
Now managed by James Rowberry after the departure of popular former boss Michael Flynn, Newport sit 12th in League Two ahead of hosting Stevenage on Saturday.
It will be Rowberry’s second game in the Newport dugout after he started his Rodney Parade reign with a 3-1 win at Bristol Rovers.
Twitter users reacted with Newport’s Goldie Lookin’ Chain-inspired kit removed from sale after a threat of legal action…
@middlelastname: Oh ffs. Lighten up a bit
@liamojpugh123: Glad I got one 😂
@Woodsy2957: Got a collectors item in this house then – won’t throw that one away when he’s grown out of it!!!
@weIshrugbyunion: Still can’t believe @Burberry is a reputable brand, it’s horrific.
@_R_J_A_: What a load of petty rubbish @Burberry. Not the same pattern at all and as far as I’m aware you don’t sell football kits?
@markasadler: Struggling to see how the decision makers didn’t see this coming.
Dave Smalldon: If not the club, surely one of the graphics people at Hummel would have piped up saying it would break copyright. They have people who do this for a living. Checking designs for possible infringement.
Rob Santwris: Just to clarify it’s nothing to do with the club . Hummel excepted the design they signed it off. If that hadn’t had happened im certain the club wouldn’t of run with it as it’s clearly a burberry knock off. hummel really should of known better
Phil Tanner: Burden on the manufacturer, surely? Major international supplier. If we went to them with the idea, they should have knocked it back straight away.
Nick Hayes: Not getting it back
Mark Needham: JD were selling them
Christopher Pearce-Webb: Does that mean I’ve got a collectors item?
Jason Lee: No chance fans are going to give the kits back, keep hold of them!
Harry Williams: Got to feel for the club here, was a proper cool kit and looked like it was selling well
Graham Jenkins: Absolutely gutted I never got my hands on this kit
Gethin Evans: Such a shame this has happened, would have continued to be a hit with fans if they were still available for purchase! Just glad I managed to get my hands one one
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