Chelsea unveil new retro strip and fans all make the same point about Palestine
Chelsea’s new retro kit has provoked quite the reaction on social media, with fans believing it resembles the colours of Palestine.
The Blues have unveiled a strip that is inspired by the club’s 1974/75 effort, known affectionately as the ‘Castrol GTX kit’ by supporters. So used to wearing blue normally, the red, white and green away striped kit is quite the departure for Chelsea.
The club announced the sale of a polo shirt, a track top, a sweatshirt, a t-shirt, hats, a scarf and a mug on Wednesday across their social media channels. The inspiration behind it came from Dave Sexton, who managed Chelsea between 1967 and 1974 and was a big fan of the legendary Hungary side of the 1950s, known as the ‘Magnificent Magyars’.
The red, white and green stripes come from the Hungary flag and became popularised by the country’s team who reached the final of the 1954 World Cup, before losing to West Germany. Football fans did not draw such conclusions, however.
Chelsea’s social media accounts have been inundated with comments asking if the kit is inspired by Palestine amid the ongoing conflict with Israel in Gaza. “Palestine tribute? Love to see it!” one fan wrote on Instagram. Another added: “Just missing some black. Perfect Palestine X Chelsea shirt!”
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The comments were similar on Twitter. “Looks like a Palestine flag,” one wrote. “Chelsea support Palestine, biggest club England,” another commented.
Like all other Premier League clubs, Chelsea have stayed neutral on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Earlier this month, the league said in a statement it was “shocked and saddened” by the crisis and it “strongly condemns the horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians”.
Moises Caicedo wearing the retro strip (Chelsea FC)
The kit was inspired by the 1950s Hungary side (Chelsea FC)Last Friday, the Premier League issued guidance to its clubs on the subject. It read: “Following consultation with safety and security experts, clubs and external stakeholders, the Premier League has determined that Israeli and Palestinian flags should not be permitted to be displayed at Premier League matches for the foreseeable future. The same approach applies to displays, banners, scarves or other items that are easily recognisable as pro-Israeli or pro-Palestine, or in any other way related to the current crisis and that may therefore pose a risk to safety and security.
“The first consideration of the Premier League and clubs is to ensure that fans are able to watch football in a safe and secure environment. Current advice from safety and security experts remains that the displaying of either the Israel or Palestine flag at football matches has the potential to generate flash-points and/or conflict as this is highly likely to be viewed as a provocative gesture. In turn, this could create a significant safety and security risk for those attending matches.”
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