Topman really didn’t think this shirt through properly
Topman didn’t really think this through, did they?
Under the number 96 on the back of the long-sleeved red top are the words, “What goes around comes back around”, and on one of the sleeves is the word “Karma”.
New #topshop range
96 what goes around comes around with Karma on the arm
What’s all this about @Topman @Topshop #JFT96 pic.twitter.com/JKXMgnmWeZ
— Friday Nights Chippy Night (@TheHoodedClaw66) March 15, 2018
The design was apparently inspired by a Bob Marley track and the number is a reference to its ‘year of re-release’, according to Topman.
Yeah, us neither.
Other people, however, made a rather different connection.
https://twitter.com/SibsMUFC/status/974374562963120128
Really hope Topman recall that top. Don't think for a second it's intentional but it's horrendously insensitive and ignorant to what it insinuates for anyone associated with Liverpool.
Worked their for 6 years and it sticks in the craw seeing that. Just get it rid @Topman.
— Ryan (@ryan3levis) March 15, 2018
That Topman 96 shirt is in very poor taste
— Calling All Astronauts (@CAA_Official) March 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/Red_UnderTheBed/status/974395575511724032
This person seems to nail it (at least, we hope they do).
https://twitter.com/smtm_LFC/status/974398456285614088
If you’re thinking the Bob Marley reference is so obscure that it will be lost on nearly everyone, you’re right.
That topman shirt is the title of a Bob Marley song released in 1996. A very unfortunate coincidence. pic.twitter.com/eq58IMoSBQ
— Paul Ellis (@liverblokelfc) March 15, 2018
Top Man have now withdrawn it from sale and had this to say.
From Topman: "Topman apologises unreservedly for any offence caused by this t-shirt. The design was inspired by a Bob Marley track with the number referring to the year of re-release. The garment has been removed from sale online and in stores." https://t.co/ckOvpEYFlR
— BBC North West (@BBCNWT) March 16, 2018
Topman – now experiencing a little bit of karma of their own.