NRL club forced to re-design shirt after huge controversy
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 29: The NRL Premiership Trophy is on display during the 2022 NRL Grand Final media conference at The Fullerton Hotel, Martin Place on September 29, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Wests Tigers have issued an apology and a statement regarding their controversial ANZAC Round shirt.
The Tigers released the following jersey:
To add to the oddness of the Wests Tigers ANZAC jersey situation. Why did they get an Englishman to model it? No shortage of Australians/NZers playing for them. pic.twitter.com/OffKLiJbGD
— Dylan Arvela (@dylanarvela) April 5, 2023
The shirt looks good enough except for the fact the soldiers pictures aren’t Australian or from New Zealand but are American soldiers.
This stirred up a huge backlash and the club made the following statement:
“Wests Tigers remain as committed as ever to making this year’s ANZAC Round match in Round 8 against Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles a respectful and special occasion.
“The Commemorative Jersey to be worn by our players for this match has been criticised because an image on the jersey does not accurately depict Australian or New Zealand troops.
“As a club Wests Tigers is deeply sorry if the use of this image has in any way offended anyone. This was never our intention, and we are taking steps to rectify this.
“We have taken on board feedback from our members and fans, and we will be redesigning our 2023 Commemorative Jersey, immediately.
“Wests Tigers deeply regret any offence the use of this stock image may have caused and remains completely committed to honouring and respecting all those servicemen and women who have, and who continue, to serve.
“The redesigned 2023 Commemorative Jersey will be worn by our team in Round 8.
“These jerseys will then be auctioned after the match, with all proceeds going to our ANZAC Round matchday charity partner, Legacy.
“Wests Tigers would like our members and supporters to know that, as a club, we will continue to embrace the ANZAC spirit, this year and in years to come.”