Lionesses GK Mary Earps hits out at Nike 'apology' for refusing to sell replica shirts
.jpeg "Lionesses GK Mary Earps hits out at Nike 'apology' for refusing to sell replica shirts")
Mary Earps has hit back at Nike's response for not selling her England goalkeeper shirt.
The kit manufacturer hasn't made available for sale replicas of what Earps wore in Australia and New Zealand as the Lionesses reached the Women's World Cup final, despite offering the outfield strip.
They and rivals Adidas both refused to sell any female goalkeeper shirts, kickstarting a petition from 16-year-old Emmy Louisa which has gained significant traction and nearly reached its 150,000 signatures target.
Despite the increasing backlash and Earps being one of Sarina Wiegman's star performers Down Under, their stance hasn't changed. A statement was issued by Nike after she'd saved a penalty in the defeat to Spain and picked up the Golden Glove award.
It read:
“Nike is committed to women’s football and we’re excited by the passion around this year’s tournament and the incredible win by the Lionesses to make it into the final.“We are proudly offering the best of Nike innovation and services to our federation partners and hundreds of athletes."We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments, in partnership with FIFA and the federations.
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| Earps couldn't have done much more to make Nike's decision look silly (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images) |
“The fact that there’s a conversation on this topic is testament to the continued passion and energy around the women’s game and we believe that’s encouraging.”
That didn't cut it for Earps, who posted a screenshot of the statement on her Instagram story on Tuesday (August 22) and wrote:
“@Nike is this your version of an apology/taking accountability/a powerful statement of intent?”
The Manchester United star, 30, admitted before the tournament it was "hurtful" fans weren't able to buy her kit. Fan Emmy, who once met her after a game, showed her support with the petition which gained just shy of 50,000 signatures today (August 23).
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When you don't see Okeke George blogging, he sure will engage him self in sporting activities.
