- Sunak criticizes Nike’s redesign of England’s St George’s Cross
- Outrage and petitions demand original flag’s restoration
- Critics slam Nike’s “peculiar” change and shirt’s high cost
Involved in the dispute, the prime minister asserts that the country’s standards are “a source of identity, pride, and who we are; they are flawless in their current state.” Additionally, former England players voice their vehement opposition to the redesign.
After Nike altered the color of the St George’s Cross on a New England football uniform, Rishi Sunak cautioned against “interfering with” the national flags.
The prime minister, amidst the controversy, contended that the standards “serve as a foundation of pride, identity, and our very being; they are flawless in their current state.”
His remarks came as outrage grew over the US sportswear giant’s alteration of the iconic banner, with thousands of online petition signatures and fans demanding the reinstatement of the original flag.
As the symbol was a “unifier,” Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has already urged Nike to “reconsider” its decision.
Emily Thornberry, the shadow attorney general for Labour, has also described it as “peculiar,” noting that no one would expect the French tricolor to be altered or the heraldic Welsh dragon to be changed to a pussycat.
The dispute arose subsequent to Nike’s declaration that it had upgraded the conventional red cross by incorporating purple and blue stripes.
It was inspired by the training kit worn by England’s 1966 World Cup champions and was deemed “a playful update” to the shirt prior to Euro 2024 by the company.
Mr. Sunak stated, “Obviously, I lean towards the original, and in general, I believe that we should not tamper with our national flags, as they represent our identity, pride, and sense of self, and they are ideal as they are.”
Ms. Thornberry remarked, “Everything is quite peculiar.” The flag of England represents national unity.
“During the past few years, when we’ve been experiencing such adversity, the England flag has served as a unifying symbol for the people; the Lionesses, for example.
“Therefore, one would not anticipate Nike to examine the Welsh flag and alter the dragon’s design into that of a pussycat.”
“One would not anticipate that the flag of England would be altered in this manner.”
“Plenty of purples would not be expected among the French tricolor.” Put, what are they doing? “I am unable to comprehend.”
In 2014, then-party leader Ed Miliband compelled Ms. Thornberry to resign from the shadow cabinet after she was accused of mocking “White Van Man” in a social media post depicting a housing block with St George’s flags floating from the window while on a visit to Rochester.
Peter Shilton, the most capped men’s player for England, commented on X in response to the Nike redesign: “I’m sorry, but this is completely wrong on every level; I am completely opposed to it.”
David Seaman, a former England custodian, stated, “It requires no repair. Are they planning to replace the Three Lions with three cats as the next step? It should be left alone. The flag is St. George’s. “It should be left alone.”
“Take a step towards financial freedom – claim your free Webull shares now!”
Additionally, the shirt’s price has been criticized since its introduction earlier this week.
The “stadium” version costs £84.99 for adults and £64.99 for children, while the “authentic” version costs £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children.
A Nike spokesperson previously stated, “The England 2024 home uniform modernizes a classic in order to disrupt history.
“The purple trim on the cuffs is inspired by the training attire donned by England’s champions in 1966, which featured a gradient of blues and reds.
On the reverse of the collar is an interpretation of the flag of St. George, which is rendered in the same colors.
