It’s not often a football club decides to emblazon a large image of Bob Marley’s face on one of their shirts
Dublin-based Bohemians FC, however, have done exactly that for the 2019 SSE Airtricity Premier Division season.
Though the reason behind the unique design might not be immediately obvious, a tweet from the club has made clear the shirt is a nod to the time Marley performed at the club’s home stadium, Dalymount Park, in 1980.
https://twitter.com/bfcdublin/status/1054681448425447425
The shirt has since made headlines across the world, the club selling out its preorders and working to get another batch ready in time for next month.
The jersey, which is made by O’Neills, has now been given the seal of approval by the musical icon’s son.
Ky-Mani Marley, who recently led Ajax fans in a prematch rendition of his father’s song Three Little Birds, has made it known he is a fan.
“This is the dopest shirt I’ve ever seen,” he told BBC News Northern Ireland. “I love it.”
Coming from the great man’s son, this is clearly high praise indeed.
Bob Marley and the Wailers’ concert at Dalymount Park in July 1980 attracted thousands of fans. Marley died in May 1981, his show in Dublin proving to be his final outdoor performance.