What’s going on there?
There’s a major uproar at Borussia Dortmund (BVB) regarding their new Champions League jersey. Some fans are planning an online revolt once morest the new design. Harsh criticism is flooding the internet, with comments like “The worst jersey in the club’s history!” or “Have you run out of color?” Some are even going so far as to call it a “human rights violation” and demanding that supplier Puma be dropped.
Background: The new jersey was unveiled on Saturday via social media and has been available for purchase since then. The design is a mosaic of various jerseys from the club’s history, including elements from the final kit worn in the lost 2013 Champions League final once morest Bayern. It appears that nostalgia isn’t resonating with everyone.
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Now BVB is defending itself once morest the jersey backlash!
Managing director Carsten Cramer (55) responded with a dry statement: “I have to disappoint everyone: today’s sales figures contradict the response. It’s often the case that negative feedback on social media doesn’t significantly impact sales figures.” In other words, the majority of fans are buying the jersey in stores, while a smaller number are voicing their discontent online.
Cramer continued: “Usually only those who don’t approve speak up. We’re taking it in good spirits and believe that the courage to do something different will be rewarded.”
He declined to provide any specific figures, only stating that the new jersey is already selling better than last season’s jersey at the same time. This was the same time period when Dortmund stormed into the Champions League final.
The BVB team landed in Bangkok on Saturday followingnoon. Stars like Karim Adeyemi (22) and Julian Brandt (28) were spotted wearing their new kits at a busy intersection, where they received immediate cheers. The jersey will be worn for the first time during a game on Sunday, a test match once morest Pathum United. It will also be worn in the following Wednesday’s test match once morest Cerezo Osaka in Japan, featuring former BVB star Shinji Kagawa.
One thing is certain: The debate over the jersey will continue to occupy BVB…
BVB Jersey Controversy: A Mosaic of Nostalgia and Backlash
The world of football is known for its passionate fans, and Borussia Dortmund’s supporters are no exception. However, a recent controversy surrounding the club’s new Champions League jersey has sparked a lively debate within the BVB community and beyond.
The Jersey: A Mosaic of History
The new jersey, unveiled on Saturday via social media and available for purchase shortly following, presents a unique design. It features a mosaic of various jerseys from the club’s history, including elements from the 2013 Champions League final kit, a game that sadly ended in defeat once morest Bayern Munich. This nostalgic design, intended to celebrate the club’s legacy, has not been met with universal acclaim.
A Storm of Criticism
The reaction to the new jersey has been overwhelmingly negative, with many fans expressing their displeasure online. Harsh comments expressing disappointment, ranging from “the worst jersey in the club’s history” to “have you run out of color?” have flooded social media platforms. Some fans have even gone so far as to label the jersey a “human rights violation” and demanded that the club sever ties with supplier Puma.
Nostalgia Not for Everyone
The design, though rooted in the club’s history, seems to have missed the mark for a significant portion of the fanbase. The mosaic of past jerseys is perceived by some as cluttered and confusing, failing to capture the essence of a classic BVB design. This highlights the delicate balance between honoring tradition and creating a contemporary, appealing aesthetic.
BVB’s Response to the Controversy
BVB’s management team has acknowledged the backlash, but has taken a measured approach in their response. Carsten Cramer, Managing Director of Borussia Dortmund, offered a dry counter to the social media criticism: “I have to disappoint everyone: today’s sales figures contradict the response. It is often the case that negative feedback on social media does not have a very noticeable impact on sales figures.”
Cramer further emphasized, “Usually only those who don’t applaud come forward. We take it in good spirits and believe that the courage to do something different will be rewarded.” While avoiding specific sales data, he did reveal that the new jersey is already outselling its predecessor from the previous season at the same time.
The Jersey’s Debut and Continued Debate
The BVB team recently landed in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of their pre-season tour. The players made a surprise appearance at a busy intersection, sporting the new jersey, and were immediately met with enthusiastic cheers from fans. The jersey’s official debut will be during a test match once morest Pathum United on Sunday. It will also grace the pitch in the following week’s match once morest ex-BVB star Shinji Kagawa’s Cerezo Osaka in Japan.
The jersey controversy is likely to continue to generate discussions within the BVB community and among football fans globally. The debate reflects the complexities of fan-club relationships, how tradition and innovation intertwine, and the evolving role of fan feedback in shaping sporting identities.
