Nike has issued a statement addressing the ongoing goalkeeper kit controversy after the brand refused to sell replica shirts of Mary Earps’ kit and other female shot-stoppers for the Women’s World Cup this year.
2023’s tournament might now be over, with the Lionesses just narrowly missing out on lifting the trophy in their first-ever World Cup final, but the public outcry for the sporting giant to stock and sell women’s keeper kits this year is ringing out clearer than ever.
Earlier this year, England women’s star and Manchester United’s no. 1 Mary Earps called out Nike for once again choosing not to produce women’s goalkeeper kits after insisting that she was told progress would be made following the same issue during Euro 2022.
Up until now, the company has refused to comment on the situation publicly but following Earps‘ heroic penalty save in the final and having won the Golden Glove, they have finally broken their silence — and it hasn’t exactly gone down that well…
What weasley corporate bullshit this statement is. Hey Nike – here's a phrase for you craven dopes. Just Do It. https://t.co/3LrzhXrXrW
Issuing the update on Sunday, the statement 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.
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“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.
“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.”
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However, the reaction has very much been a case of “not good enough”, with people commenting, “This really is the most pointless statement by Nike”, “They should have just said ‘we fucked up, we are sorry'” and one person even quipping: “So committed to women’s football, Nike didn’t even bother to spellcheck its statement”.
If you didn’t believe there were already countless people all over the country clamouring for a Mary Earps shirt, you can make no mistake about it after this incredible moment:
The truth is, Lionesses shirt sales went through the roof ahead of the final and indeed throughout the tournament, not to mention Earps’ sadly non-existent kit being one of the most searched for online over the past few months.
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As the 30-year-old said at the time, “I can’t really sugar-coat this in any way, so I am not going to try. It is hugely disappointing and very hurtful”, adding, “What you’re saying is that goalkeeping isn’t important but you can be a striker if you want.”
It goes without saying that there are so many men, women and kids alike that would give anything to be able to wear their favourite player’s shirt and it is saddening to see Nike still failing to fix it, especially for all those little girls who admire players like Mary Earps and dream of growing up to become a goalkeeper.
That being said, it looks like Nike has clearly heard the feedback and may be looking to reconsider its ‘financial strategy’ in time for the next tournament. We can only hope they do the right thing sooner rather than later.
Featured Image — Lionesses/FIFA Women’s World Cup (via Twitter)
Sport
Southampton troll Manchester City after Ruben Dias’ frustrated interview
Danny Jones
Southampton FC have decided to respond to Manchester City star Ruben Dias with some casual trolling following his frustrated post-match interview this weekend.
In short, someone let the admin off the leash, and we’ll admit it caught us a little off guard.
Man City shared the points away at St Mary’s Stadium against the already relegated Saints – a fate which plays somewhat into the rather nonchalant nature of their social media this past Friday, 9 May.
Southampton hosted City for what turned out to be a beyond forgettable bore draw, although Dias himself was clearly still dwelling on it at least somewhat after the full-time whistle, claiming the home team put in very little effort. To which this was their reply…
While plenty of people online had already seen Ruben‘s review of their performance, the south coast side had no problem in drawing even more eyes to it by sharing the video above.
There’s one thing to disagree with/mock a single player’s response in a moment of tension, but putting together a mini blooper reel about last season’s Premier League champions and recent Treble winners to the rather out-of-tune flute version of ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire felt pretty bold, to say the least.
Again, not that they’ll care one bit, given they won’t be even in the same division for at least another year.
It’s also just not all too often that you see football clubs’ official media channels memeing other teams, so it’s hard not to react when instances like this do happen.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola had a fair few of his own visibly frustrated feelings on the match as well, including some words for his own players, although stating that they should have been able to break down a team that’s already on their way to the Championship.
Pep’s post-match press conference following Southampton 0-0 City in full.
It’s also worth mentioning that while it may have felt like a bit of a damp rubber game, there was actually a lot more at stake in the grander scheme of things.
Not only did the draw rescue Southampton from setting a new record for the lowest points tally in the top-flight competition’s history, but much more importantly, it meant crucial points were dropped for the Blues in the race to secure Champions League football.
Most supporters would rightly assume Man City will be in UEFA’s premier continental competition next season, but it’s not a certainty just yet.
You can watch the highlights, or lack thereof, down below.
Who had more of a point, do you think – Ruben Dias or the Southampton admin?
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshots via YouTube)
Sport
London attraction The Curling Club is now expanding into Manchester
Thomas Melia
Well-reviewed winter attraction The Curling Club, which has already made a name for itself in London, is now making its way to Manchester.
Set to open in Manchester’s world-class skyscraper district, New Jackson, The Curling Club is keeping its stay short and sweet, with a three-month residency here in the city centre.
Curling Club will signal in the mid-winter season as it runs from late November right through until the end of February, giving you a lengthy period of time to sweep ’til your heart’s content.
This sports-themed pop-up opened in the capital last year, offering guests a wintery escape packed with food and drink choices, accommodating up to 600 people at a time, right next to The Shard.
The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.Credit: Justin De Souza
Now, Manchester’s latest activity bar destination is bringing its charm and competitiveness to Manchester for the first time ever, hoping to emulate the success of its capital predecessor while encouraging people to pick up the sport.
Just like the original London location, their Manc site will feature the iconic custom-built lanes and sustainably-made granite stones, which are set to improve your precision and control – fancy that.
We’re sure will still somehow manage to be the worst players in the room at any given time.
If that wasn’t enough curling expertise for you, there will also be on-site coaches helping guests perfect their technique and providing some top-notch advice.
There will even be an exclusive appearance from Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead and Team GB’s ‘Chef de Mission’, Mark England, who will be hosting select events across the two cities.
Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.Credit: Justin De Souza
New Jackson will be the ultimate backdrop for this innovative winter experience as the venue will be curating seasonal cocktails as well as being home to live DJS, glitter-ball dancers and some seriously good food.
You had us at booze and scran.
Keep this seasonal site in mind as they’re already marking themselves as a destination for work parties, events, group outings and Christmas party celebrations.
Trevor Bowers, Chairman of The Curling Club, said of the impending opening: “With this expansion and other plans, we’re accelerating our national rollout – all while staying focused on delivering exceptional, high-quality experiences for both guests and corporate clients during the winter season.”
Danny Jones -
21st August 2023 
