The new away jersey for the United States men’s and women’s national soccer teams has been revealed in advance of the World Cup — and fans are in an uproar.
Designed by Nike, the jersey features three different-colored bands, starting are the top with blue, white, and red. They are supposed to represent the American flag, according to a company press release. The away kit also includes red shorts and red socks.
Clint Dempsey is seen sporting the new away kit, which some have compared to the both the French flag and even popsicles
However, fans have taken to Twitter to express their disapproval — and many are comparing the new jerseys to the French flag, as well as those of the Netherlands and Russia.
‘Is this April Fool’s? Trying to look like France?’ one user wrote.
‘Away US soccer kit is alright but reminds me of France, Russia, Dutch. Not American and neither is that lighter blue! #USMNT’ another tweeted.
‘The new #usmnt jersey is basically the flag of France upside down…way to screw it up Nike,’ one said.
‘Wanna see the new #USMNT jerseys? Google “Netherlands Flag”‘ another user wrote.
The famed French flag features panels of blue, white, and red going from left to right. The Dutch flag, however, features panels of red, white and blue going from top to bottom.
The new away jersey has even been compared by USA Today to frozen popsicles.
At least two noted people are fans of the jersey — U.S. Men’s National Team Captain Clint Dempsey and Women’s National Team striker Sydney Leroux.
‘I like the patriotic design and color scheme and I think it will look great on the pitch,’ Dempsey said, according to the Nike press release. ‘Hopefully they will serve us well as we head into a competitive group.’
‘The new kits fit really well, look great and most importantly, are really comfortable, especially when we are running all over the field for 90 minutes in all sorts of different weather,’ Stryker said in the release.
Source: Daily Mail, UK