Oxford United have withdrawn a new clothing line and issued a public apology after a slogan on the items was linked to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The club's 'Campus Collection', which launched online on Friday morning, featured the phrase 'United 93' on NFL-style shirts.
The collection was removed within approximately two hours of its release. In a statement, the club said the line was released "without understanding of the historical context and associations". They took full responsibility for a lack of due diligence and confirmed the items should not have reached the point of sale.
'United 93' refers to United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked and crashed in Pennsylvania on 11 September 2001, killing all 44 people on board. The club, founded in 1893, stated the original intention was to launch the collection on the 25th anniversary of the attacks this year, but that plan was delayed over sensitivity concerns. The online release still went ahead on Friday in error.
Fan reaction on supporter forums was mixed. One user of the Yellows Forum called the error a "monumental cock-up that I would expect to be sacked for if I’d signed off on it". Another fan wrote: "Whilst not ideal … everyone who sees this realises there’s no malicious intent. Ultimately there was just no consideration to it at all."
The club has withdrawn the Campus Collection with immediate effect and is reviewing its internal approval processes to prevent a similar mistake. Oxford United sit sixth in League One on 10 points after five games, with a recent run of three wins, one draw and one defeat. Their next match is at home against fourth-placed Cambridge United on Saturday, a key fixture in the early season standings. The club will be hoping key players from the squad can maintain their form to secure a positive result.
Background and full detail: BBC Sport Football
