Wests Tigers apologise, re-design Anzac jersey
George Clarke |
Wests Tigers have issued an apology and agreed to re-design their commemorative Anzac Day jersey.
The Tigers were criticised for releasing an $160 jersey earlier this week which used a stock image of American soldiers rather than Australian servicemen.
The jersey, which contained both the Australian and New Zealand flags, was due to be sold for the club’s round eight NRL game with Manly.
But the club were forced into a re-think after eagle-eyed fans spotted that the Tigers had used a stock image of American servicemen.
“As a club Wests Tigers is deeply sorry if the use of this image has in any way offended anyone,” the Tigers said in a statement.
“This was never our intention, and we are taking steps to rectify this.
“We have taken on board feedback from our members and fans, and we will be redesigning our 2023 commemorative jersey, immediately.
“Wests Tigers deeply regret any offence the use of this stock image may have caused and remains completely committed to honouring and respecting all those servicemen and women who have, and who continue, to serve.”
The joint-venture club say they will auction the re-designed jerseys off for veterans’ charity Legacy.
Prop David Klemmer fronted media and said the club had taken the right step by realising their mistake and vowing to re-issue an updated jersey.
“I don’t think the club went out of their way to make a jersey (that was disrespectful), or disrespect anyone or cause any harm,” Klemmer said.
“Their hearts were in the right place, they thought they were doing the right thing.
“The biggest thing we can do is acknowledge it, we’ve coughed one up.
“But the club has done the right thing to fix it.”
The bungle is the latest black eye for the Tigers, whose heavily-hyped 2023 season is in turmoil.
The reigning wooden spooners are 0-5 to start the season before their Easter Monday meeting with Parramatta, and were thumped 46-12 by Brisbane last week.
AAP
