Newcastle United has issued an apology after their new third kit promotional video featured a flag that the club admitted “could inadvertently cause offence.”
Following fan reactions, the Magpies swiftly removed the video and have edited out the specific footage for any future distribution.
In an official statement, Newcastle explained:
“We have been alerted to the appearance of a flag in our recent third kit launch video that could inadvertently cause offence.
In response, we immediately removed the video from circulation and have taken steps to edit the visual from all future content.
We sincerely apologise for any offence caused.”
The issue arose because the video, which included appearances from figures like Sam Fender, Alexander Isak, Tino Asprilla, and Jonas Gutierrez, showed two fans holding an altered flag.
This flag was noted for its resemblance to the Rising Sun Flag, a historical symbol of the Imperial Japanese Army.
While acknowledged as part of Japanese history by some, the flag is widely considered by countries such as South Korea, China, Singapore, and Russia as being linked to imperial wartime atrocities.
This sensitivity is particularly relevant as Newcastle is scheduled to embark on a pre-season tour later this month, with matches planned in both Singapore and South Korea.
The Rising Sun Flag is currently banned by FIFA for display at international football matches.
South Korea had also sought its prohibition from the 2020 Olympics, but organizers permitted its display, stating it is “widely used in Japan” and “not a political statement.”
The initial kit launch video was removed from all of Newcastle`s social media platforms, as well as from kit manufacturer Adidas`s channels.
The club subsequently re-uploaded an edited version of the video, omitting the controversial scene, alongside an updated message to their supporters.
Their revised message stated:
“The reaction to our new third kit with Adidas has been special, but the launch video contained a scene that could inadvertently cause offence.
We apologise for that. We’ve removed the scene from the film to make sure that as many fans as possible can enjoy it.”
Newcastle is set to use their new third kit for the first time during their initial pre-season friendly against Celtic later this month.
Marcus Bellamy