Oxford United have issued an apology after releasing a clothing range featuring the phrase 'United 93' on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The League One club said the Campus Collection, which included an American football jersey and a baseball jersey, was launched 'without understanding of the historical context and associations'.
Background of the September 11 attacks
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in 2001 when two passenger planes hijacked by Al-Qaida terrorists struck the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York, causing both to collapse, and the Pentagon outside Washington, DC. A fourth plane seized by extremists, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field in rural Pennsylvania after the crew and passengers fought back and prevented it from hitting another target, thought to be Washington's Capitol Building.
Club statement and immediate action
In a statement released on Friday, Oxford United said: 'Oxford United would like to sincerely apologise for the recent launch of the Campus Collection. 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.'
The club added: 'We have removed the collection with immediate effect and are reviewing our approval processes to ensure nothing like this happens again. Once again, we would like to put on record our sincere apologies for this error and for any offence caused.'
Club history and context
Oxford United were founded in 1893 initially as Headington FC before their name change in 1960. The club also celebrated promotion to the old Second Division in 1993, which may have contributed to the '93' reference in the range. However, the timing of the release on the anniversary of the attacks drew criticism and led to the apology.
Impact and next steps
The collection has been removed from sale, and Oxford United are reviewing their approval processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The club has reiterated its apologies for any offence caused by the release.
