AS Roma responded to the fans’ anger and removed a controversial tracksuit from the market. An employee was also suspended.
AS Roma have been worried about their own fans in recent days. The background is a new sports kit that has been presented by the Italian capital club in the last few days. The controversial tracksuit, which features light blue features on the front in addition to the usual (club) colours, will no longer be available in any physical or virtual store.
The reason for the fans’ anger was that the blue was reminiscent of the typical light blue of city rivals Lazio. Fans even started a petition to express their displeasure with the suit.
Angry Roma owner – suspended employee!
The decision to withdraw the kit from the market came directly from Roma’s owners, who were visibly upset by the controversy. In addition, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the responsible Chief Commercial and Brand Officer, Michael Wandell. Wandell, who is supposed to be responsible for the new Adidas team collection for the 2024/25 season, has even been suspended from his duties, reports Gazetta dello sports.
The explanations of the Adidas spokesperson, who justified the choice of the Roman district, were unsuccessful. He pointed out that it was not Lazio’s light blue, but a distinct turquoise. Roma believe that such a serious mistake should not have happened. The club said: “Roma supporters were right about the kit.”
Roma reserves the right to take further action, including action for inappropriate behavior and defamation. The association declared that it would work closely with the parties concerned to resolve the issue and avoid mistakes in the future.