GB News presenter Neil Oliver has hit out at Nike’s St George’s Flag revamp.
He accused the brand of ‘targeting’ Englishness and argued they ‘would not play with any other flag’.
Political leaders from across the spectrum including Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have spoken out condemning Nike’s ‘playful update’ to the shirt ahead of Euro 2024.
“As someone born in Scotland, I celebrate the English identity”, said Oliver.
Neil Oliver has blasted the revamp
NIKE / GB NEWS
“I absolutely empathise with why a proud Englishman or woman would say they are proud to be.
“It’s not something slight. It’s something people invest a great deal in.
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“There is something very strange about the way Englishness, in this instance the England flag, is targeted.
“I don’t think Nike or anyone else would have the temerity to be playful with other national identities.
“They think they can do this because if someone gets up on their ‘hind legs, they can characterise them as nationalistic in a negative sense.
“There is something about England and Englishness.”
The new England kit was unveiled on Monday
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Neil Oliver joined Martin Daubney on GB News to discuss the new design
GB NEWS
Sunak warned Nike ‘should not mess’ with the flag while Starmer urged them to ‘reconsider’ the design.
The FA said it was ‘very proud’ of the red and white St George’s Cross but it supportive of the new design.
“The new England 2024 home kit has a number of design elements which were meant as a tribute to the 1966 World Cup-winning team,” a spokesperson said.
“The coloured trim on the cuffs is inspired by the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, and the same colours also feature on the design on the back of the collar. It is not the first time that different coloured St George’s Cross-inspired designs have been used on England shirts.
“We are very proud of the red and white St George’s cross – the England flag. We understand what it means to our fans, and how it unites and inspires, and it will be displayed prominently at Wembley tomorrow – as it always is – when England play Brazil.”
The kit pricing has also been criticised.
An “authentic” version costs £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children while a “stadium” version is £84.99 and £64.99 for children.