Topman has apologised after one of their shirts was interpreted by some as making reference to the Hillsborough disaster.
The red garment, which was on sale both online and in stores, 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.
Louise Brookes, sister of Andrew Brookes, one of the victims of Hillsborough, was amongst those to criticise the shirt. Calling for it to be removed from sale, she said 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.
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In a short statement, Topman confirmed the shirt had now been removed from sale. They also clarified that its design – as was pointed out on Twitter – was actually inspired by Bob Marley song, What Goes Around Comes Around.
“Topman apologises unreservedly for any offence caused by this t-shirt. The design was inspired by a Bob Marley track with the number referring to the year of re-release. The garment has been removed from sale online and in stores”
