Sports

Newcastle apology after kit launch video attracts controversy


Newcastle United apologised for a scene in the video that launched a new third kit that “may accidentally cause an attack.”

The video featuring musician Samfender and the hosts of the Newcastle Stars of the past and present was released Monday and teased the release of the new kit.

However, the video was removed from the club’s social media channels on Tuesday, and then an edited version was released with the scene in question omitted.

I read the following in an X (formerly Twitter) post from the club: “The reaction to the new third kit with Adidas was special, but the release video included scenes that could incorrectly cause an attack, and I apologize for that.

“We removed the scene from the film so that as many fans as possible can enjoy it.”

Why did Newcastle apologize?

Newcastle edited the video and announced their apology for a scene where he saw fans have a black and white version of the Japanese Imperial Flag with the club’s coat of arms in the center.

The flag began to be used by the military in the 19th century and was flew during Japan’s imperialist expansion.

In 1905, Japan occupied Korea as a protectorate and as a colony from 1910 to 1945 from the end of World War II. Thousands of Koreans have been exploited and forced to work during Japan’s rule, and the flag has been associated with war crimes and oppression by many in South Korea.

The flag’s reputation is also linked to World War II, which became the flag of the Japanese Navy. During this period, the Japanese troops occupied much of Asia and committed war crimes against the locals.

In 2020, South Korea called for the flag to be banned from the stadium at the Tokyo Olympic Games, but this issue was controversial as the game was held a year later and there were no fans, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Newcastle will play two preseason games in Korea ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, facing K-League Select XI on July 30th and Tottenham on August 3rd.

The Magpie is also said to have been signed by South Korean teenager Park Seung Soo to the Suwon Bluewings signature.

When did Newcastle launch its third kit?

Following the release of the first video, Newcastle officially launched its third kit on Tuesday, delivering both short and long sleeve versions available to fans.

The kit created by Adidas is said to be a “modern homage to the iconic 97/98 third kit.”

“The jersey features an impressive combination of burnt orange and deep green sets against the navy background, and is a stylish classic and a must-have item for fans and collectors,” Newcastle said in the kit’s announcement.

“The shirt welcomes the embroidered Trefoil Adidas logo, featuring stitched club crests and adidas EQT flat knit collars and cuffs. The kit is complete with navy shorts and socks, with signature three striped details and a clean orange trefoil signed off for a visual statement.”

Chief Commercial Officer Pete Silverstone added: “This third kit is a powerful blend of the past and present. It’s a bold design that reflects both a proud history and an exciting journey. We hope to work closely with Adidas to resonate deeply with our global supporters and regain an iconic look with a modern twist.

“There is real pride in wearing The Trefoil. It’s a symbol that connects generations of fans and players. Our passionate global fanbase wears it with pride when we see it, especially when we return to the UEFA Champions League after three years.”

Who will Newcastle play in the preseason?

Magpies began their preseason at Celtic on July 19th, then faced Arsenal in Singapore eight days later.

Following the match in Korea, a match against K-League XI was held on suwon, and a meeting with Tottenham was held at World Cup Stadium in Seoul.

Newcastle then finished the preseason with a double header with Larigaside Espanyol and Atletico Madrid at St. James Park.

They will host Espanyol on August 8th and then face Atletico a day later. Newcastle was able to face Atletico in the Champions League this season Return to the European Premier Club Competition.



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