English Premier League side Arsenal and manufacturer Adidas have immediately halted sales of authentic versions of the club’s 2023-24 home kit due to what Adidas is calling a “design error.”
A major feature of the 23-24 home kit is the white taping down the sides and across the back hem of the kit, onto which is embossed a series of Ws and Ds. These represent wins and draws during Arsenal’s 2003-04 Premier League season, during which they won the championship without losing a match (38 games played, 26 wins, 12 draws, 0 losses).
However, as supporters starting receiving their jerseys this week, several pointed out on social media that each instance of the repeating pattern in the taping only contains 32 of the 38 results from that season. Each instance of the pattern is set off by dots.
“The 2023-24 Arsenal home authentic jerseys are temporarily unavailable while a design error is being corrected. We are working closely with the club and our partners to ensure restocked jerseys are available as soon as possible, and are offering full refunds to fans who have already bought one.
“This design error falls short of the standards we set ourselves as a brand, and we apologise to the club and its fans.”
— Adidas statement to BBC.com
The authentic shirt is still listed on Arsenal’s online store but shows as sold out in all sizes. Links to the jersey listing on Adidas’s website redirect to other sections.
The replica version of the shirt is being sold, as the taping on that version doesn’t contain the pattern representing the 2003-04 undefeated season.
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