The embattled Wests Tigers have sent out a grovelling letter of apology to their fans, pledging to redesign their 2023 Commemorative jersey ahead of ANZAC Round later this month. The club said the design was done in collaboration with Holsworthy Army Barracks, describing the image of the soldiers walking a Middle Eastern landscape as a reminder of ‘the incredible bravery and sacrifice of our troops’.
It follows the joint venture club originally using a stock image of two American soldiers instead of Australian servicemen for the jersey which will be worn on Sunday, April 23 against the Sea Eagles. The jersey which retails for $160 also contains the Australian and New Zealand flags on the sleeves. But the club were forced into a re-think after a number of eagle-eyed fans spotted an embarrassing faux pas.
‘Wests Tigers deeply regret any offence the use of this stock image may have caused and remains completely committed to honouring and respecting all those servicemen and women who have, and who continue, to serve.’
‘As a club Wests Tigers is deeply sorry if the use of this image has in any way offended anyone,’ the Tigers said on Wednesday in a statement to fans. ‘This was never our intention, and we are taking steps to rectify this. ‘We have taken on board feedback from our members and fans, and we will be redesigning our 2023 commemorative jersey, immediately.
Meanwhile, Tigers fans could stage a protest rally at Stadium Australia during the clash with Parramatta on Monday as they seek changes to the club’s management. More than 260 supporters have joined the Wests Tigers Action Group Facebook page, and they plan to make their voices heard.
‘We have been poor in terms of results for over a decade and nothing seems to change,’ group administrator Clint Schmeider said. ‘The fans have had enough….they are sick of seeing us lose and I really can’t blame them.’
A mass walkout at the venue has been reportedly discussed and the Action Group may also literally turn their backs on their struggling team in the 11th minute. The proposed stunt would symbolise the number of consecutive years the club has missed the NRL top eight.
‘We are not nut jobs, we are just frustrated fans…. no way will there be riots or anything like that, we just want to change the culture of the club.’ Wooden spooners last season, Tim Sheens’ men are 0-5 to start the 2023 season and were thumped 46-12 by Brisbane last start.
Schmeider told Wide World of Sports the likely protest isn’t directed at the playing group it is the people who run the club such as under pressure CEO Justin Pascoe. ‘They are making poor decisions and we fans suffer as a result,’ he said.
