Men’s fashion retailer Topman has been urged to withdraw a shirt after some believed it to be a reference to the Hillsborough disaster.
The red shirt features a large 96 on its back, seen by some as a reference to the number of Liverpool supporters who died in the disaster, which occurred in 1989.
Amongst those to criticise the shirt is Louise Brookes, sister of Andrew Brookes, one of the victims of Hillsborough. Calling for it to be removed, she says the phrases ‘karma’ and ‘what goes around comes around’ – also featured on the shirt – were used by some rival supporters who claimed Hillsborough was “God’s punishment” for the Heysel disaster, which occurred in 1985.
“I really do believe it is something to do with Hillsborough,” she is quoted as saying by the BBC.
“I would like it removed from sale and I do want (Topman) to explain how this shirt came about and what the thinking was.”
Although it seems unthinkable that the retailer would knowingly design and sanction the release of such a shirt that might be interpreted as a reference to Hillsborough, it has clearly angered many.
Want to explain what this is Topman? pic.twitter.com/gQImmlR8tg
— AnfieldNation (@AnfieldNation) March 15, 2018
That “96” jumper from Topman is absolutely shocking. I’m sure whoever designed it has no knowledge of Hillsborough but surely someone should have realised this was a terrible idea. pic.twitter.com/ARV23BDDeG
— Sibs (@SibsMUFC) March 15, 2018
Absolutely shameful @Topman
Topman urged to withdraw shirt after #Hillsborough anger – https://t.co/hPDJD9lyPY
— The 20th Century Today (@Prof_Nostalgia) March 16, 2018
Fair enough criticism4 #Topman .Any football fan&most members of the UK public would see this as having Hillsborough connotations but to label it sick&disgusting is untrue. No major international fashion brand would intentionally release something purposefully mocking #Liverpool pic.twitter.com/g2KZGj1yCv
— Michael Davies (@10MichaelDavies) March 16, 2018
Elsewhere, others have suggested the references made to the disaster are unintentional, some pointing out that it is more likely to be linked with Bob Marley song, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Bob Marley song lyrics, what goes around comes around. Released in 96 mentions karma in the lyrics. Topman isn’t gonna put a top out to mock hillsborough pic.twitter.com/WjCMnbTHFw
— RILEY (@lfc_riley) March 15, 2018
The Topman jumper appears to have been designed with reference to a Bob Marley song. It has nothing to do with Hillsborough although it’s understandable how the design could be misunderstood.
— Anonymous (@MrSecretiveTM) March 16, 2018