The arrival of a new strip (jersey) for an English Premier League football team is BIG news for fans and sponsors alike.
Sports brands such as Nike and Adidas pay monster bucks to the clubs to become kit suppliers and, in turn, they recoup the cash by getting a percentage (usually around 15-20 per cent) for every shirt sold. Remember EPL teams have a global audience and so that’s often a lot of merchandise.
So, enter season 2021-22’s strip for EPL club Liverpool that’s been unkindly likened to McDonald’s’ mascot, Ronald McDonald.
Liverpool are affectionately known as “the Reds” and typically play in a scarlet shirt; however, the new number – originated via chief sponsor Nike – is yellow and features a controversial red-check trim around the neck and sleeves. The club last played in a yellow shirt in 2014.
Nike was announced as Liverpool’s official jersey supplier in June last year in deal said to be worth £150 million ($A280 million) over five years. Nike also pays the club extra bonuses for any tournament wins.
The club revealed the new strip via this rockin’ YouTube clip yesterday:
In a statement via its website, Liverpool bosses described the new kit this way: “The red-and-yellow chequered trim on the collar is inspired by the passion and energy of the Kop and the chequered flags that first illuminated the Reds’ end of the stadium at the 1977 European Cup final, which then set a precedent for all future big European nights. The subtle pinstripes highlight the tight bond between the club and its community.”
However, fans soon took to social media to show their displeasure at the new strip.
One person describing it as a “miserable fail” on Nike’s part, while most people saw the funny side and the Ronald McDonald reference. Check out some of the vitriol and spite below:
It’s possible to make a nice yellow and red kit, but you have to be very careful to not make it look like Ronald McDonald’s outfit. Nike have failed miserably on that part here https://t.co/kEjrwXtGhf
— Konrad Ostrowski (@KMOstrowski_) September 8, 2021
Ronald Mcdonald and the @lfc team release their new 3rd kit
Do you want fries with that? 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/8qLliPS8ib
— Westy (@Westywwfc) September 8, 2021
Didn’t realise Liverpool had become partners with McDonald’s and Ronald McDonald https://t.co/dacZEFSatp
— Ryan Sheppard (@RyanHTSheppard) September 8, 2021
new signing : Ronald McDonald https://t.co/HVuPjEFpSd
— majukmerajuk (@m4rzvq) September 8, 2021
Didn’t knew @Nike had hired Ronald McDonald has their new designer. https://t.co/UCHEr8qBmj
— Veeshal 🏴 (@vp2smoove) September 8, 2021
