Nike facing big backlash for refusing to sell shirts of England Women's World Cup star
The Women's World Cup remains ongoing with England looking to go all the way
Nike are facing a backlash with the sportswear giants deciding against selling replica shorts of England Women's World Cup goalkeeper Mary Earps.
The 30-year-old has been one of the standout players at the tournament so far, helping the Lionesses reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
However, Nike confirmed earlier this month that they wouldn't be selling replica Earps jerseys.
They're now in the spotlight as a result, with a petition going viral online in support of U-turning on that decision.
Nike are yet to respond to the Women's World Cup petititon
PA
Teenager Emma Somauroo's petition has been signed by over 36,000 people so far - with 576 people signing it on Thursday alone.
The youngster said: "You may have read the recent article regarding Nike refusing to sell Mary Earps’ goalkeeper shirt and alongside this the refusal of Nike to sell any female goalkeeper shirts and Adidas’ decision not to sell any goalkeeper shirts from the Womens World Cup 2023.
"WHY? Mary has tried to resolve this issue, even offering to fund the shirts herself so fans would not be let down, but why should she?
"It seems that she was even left out of the promotional pictures when the Lionesses kit was launched in April ahead of the World Cup.
"Mary’s Manchester United Goalkeeper shirt was the third best-selling shirt and sold out, which clearly demonstrates demand, so why has the decision not to sell the shirt for the World Cup been made?
"We need to unite, and demand this decision is overturned.
"We need to show togetherness and support Mary and ask Nike to rethink their decision.
"Let’s make them see just how important our female goalkeepers are. How respected they are and how many young girls aspire to join them in the future.
"Any type of exclusion is unacceptable in this day and age and we need to show we will not stand for it.
"Mary and all female goalkeepers, we love and respect you. You are inspirational and we are behind you."
Another youngster Millie Winslett has written to Nike to ask them to alter their stance.
She told ITV: “I heard that Nike had completely refused to produce the shirt.
"And I thought I know that I'd like it. My sister would like it.
"And I was thinking, surely something can be done about it. They can't just outright refuse to do it.”
She added: “Every child deserves the right to feel represented by their favourite player, a player that resembles them.
"You are a multi-billion pound company, even if you only sold one shirt, it would allow for one little girl to feel seen, and that is 100 per cent worth it.
"We are meant to be moving forwards, not backwards.”
Earps herself confirmed earlier in the month that she was hurt by Nike's decision.
“I can’t really sugar-coat this in any way, so I am not going to try," stated the Manchester United star.
“It is hugely disappointing and very hurtful.”
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Mary Earps is hurt by Nike's refusal to sell England Women's World Cup jersey
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The 30-year-old continued: “It is the young kids I am most concerned about.
“They are going to say, ‘Mum, Dad, can I have a Mary Earps shirt?’ and they say, ‘I can’t, but I can get you an Alessia Russo 23 or a Rachel Daly 9.’
"And so what you are saying is that goalkeeping isn’t important but you can be a striker if you want.”