Oxford United apologise over ‘United 93’ shirt release around 9/11

Oxford United have issued an apology over the launch of their ‘United 93’ clothing range around the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Almost 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.

Oxford United have said their Campus Collection range, which included an American football jersey and a baseball jersey featuring the phrase ‘United 93’, had been released ‘without understanding of the historical context and associations’.

The release was scheduled to coincide with the start of the NFL and MLB seasons on September 18 but recognised that the announcement was too close to the anniversary of 9/11.

United were founded in 1893 initially as Headington FC before their name change in 1960, while the club celebrated promotion to the old Second Division in 1993.

A statement issued by the League One club on Friday read: ‘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.

‘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.’

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