Topman didn’t really think this through, did they?
Under the number 96 on the back of the long-sleeved red top are the words, “What goes around comes back around”, and on one of the sleeves is the word “Karma”.
New #topshop range
96 what goes around comes around with Karma on the arm
What’s all this about @Topman@Topshop#JFT96pic.twitter.com/JKXMgnmWeZ
— Justice For The 96 (@TheHoodedClaw66) March 15, 2018
The design was apparently inspired by a Bob Marley track and the number is a reference to its ‘year of re-release’, according to Topman.
Yeah, us neither.
Other people, however, made a rather different connection.
That “96” jumper from Topman is absolutely shocking. I’m sure whoever designed it has no knowledge of Hillsborough but surely someone should have realised this was a terrible idea. pic.twitter.com/ARV23BDDeG
— Sibs (@SibsMUFC) March 15, 2018
Really hope Topman recall that top. Don't think for a second it's intentional but it's horrendously insensitive and ignorant to what it insinuates for anyone associated with Liverpool.
Worked their for 6 years and it sticks in the craw seeing that. Just get it rid @Topman.
— Ryan (@ryan3levis) March 15, 2018
That Topman 96 shirt is in very poor taste
— CallingAllAstronauts (@CAA_Official) March 15, 2018
Can't imagine for one second that Topman would deliberately be mocking Hillsborough or the 96, HOWEVER – it is incredibly short-sighted and insensitive. It doesn't have to be red, the number doesn't have to be so big and prominent. They've had a bit of a mare here, defo.
— Up the Reds (@Red_UnderTheBed) March 15, 2018
This person seems to nail it (at least, we hope they do).
My thoughts on that Topman shirt, pic.twitter.com/ahSZcUJeDe
— showmethemoney (@smtm_LFC) March 15, 2018
If you’re thinking the Bob Marley reference is so obscure that it will be lost on nearly everyone, you’re right.
That topman shirt is the title of a Bob Marley song released in 1996. A very unfortunate coincidence. pic.twitter.com/eq58IMoSBQ
— Paul Ellis (@liverblokelfc) March 15, 2018
Top Man have now withdrawn it from sale and had this to say.
From Topman: "Topman apologises unreservedly for any offence caused by this t-shirt. The design was inspired by a Bob Marley track with the number referring to the year of re-release. The garment has been removed from sale online and in stores." https://t.co/ckOvpEYFlR
— BBC North West (@BBCNWT) March 16, 2018
Topman – now experiencing a little bit of karma of their own.
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The Poke
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