Keir Starmer Urges Nike to Change St George’s Cross Color on England Football Shirt
Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has called on Nike to reconsider the color of the St George’s Cross on the new England football shirt. He believes that the traditional red color of the flag serves as a unifying symbol and should be restored.
Nike’s Design Controversy
Nike recently revealed a new design for the England football shirt, featuring purple and blue horizontal stripes on the St George’s Cross. This design was described as a “playful update” for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament. The colors were reportedly inspired by the training kit worn by England’s 1966 World Cup winners.
Starmer expressed his concerns, stating, “The flag is a unifier and does not need to be changed. We should take pride in it. Nike should reconsider their decision to alter it, as the rationale behind the change remains unclear.”
Criticism and Pricing
Following the launch of the new shirt, some football pundits and fans have criticized both the design and the pricing. The “authentic” version is priced at £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children, while the “stadium” version costs £84.99 for adults and £64.99 for children.
Starmer has also called on Nike to lower the price of the shirt, emphasizing the need for accessibility and affordability.
A spokesperson for Nike defended the design, stating, “The England 2024 home kit offers a modern interpretation of a classic design. The colors and trim pay homage to England’s football history, with references to the iconic 1966 team.”