Oxford United, the English club that plays in the country's third tier, has apologized after releasing a clothing range branded "United 93" around the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The club said the apparel was launched "without understanding of the historical context and associations."
United Airlines Flight 93 was one of four planes hijacked on September 11, 2001, during the attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center's twin towers and damaged the Pentagon. Officials have concluded the plane was headed for Washington, but it crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers and crew stormed the cockpit and fought the hijackers.
According to local media, the club's Campus Collection included an American football jersey and a baseball jersey carrying the "United 93" name. The page announcing the launch has since been deleted.
Club's Statement
In a statement issued Friday, Oxford United said it wanted to "sincerely apologize" for the launch. The club added: "The range was released without understanding of the historical context and associations. It should not have reached the point of sale and we take full responsibility for not undertaking proper due diligence. We have removed the collection with immediate effect and are reviewing our approval processes to ensure nothing like this happens again."
Oxford United was founded in 1893, originally as Headington FC, before adopting its current name in 1960. The club says it has now pulled the collection entirely and is reviewing how such a product line was approved for sale in the first place.
