France fans divided over size of cock on new Euro 2024 shirt as Nike finds itself at centre of fresh kit controversy

9 months ago 65

FRANCE fans are up in arms over a massive cock – after Nike unveiled another controversial kit.

The sportswear giants were slammed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, former England stars including Peter Shilton, and fans after changing the colours of the St George’s Cross on the new Three Lions strip.

The new France kit has a large cockerel on it[/caption]

The size of the badge is not popular with everyone[/caption]

France will wear the shirt at Euro 2024[/caption]

But some supporters across the Channel are also unhappy because Nike have increased the size of the traditional cockerel emblem on the chest of the replica kit they have launched ahead of Euro 2024.

One fan summed up the feelings of many by describing the oversided chicken design as “totally disproportionate, uncalled-for even”.

But others are sticking up for the bigger cock and are even proud of it.

A supporter said: “We are often considered arrogant, so we might as well embrace it whole-heartedly”.

Another said the image was “galvanising”.

Nike’s overall design harks back to the France kits of the 1970s, with an electric blue shirt.

And at least they haven’t messed with the traditional colours of the French flag.

The shirt collar is red, white and blue, to represent the Tricolore – no sign of the purple added to the England kit.

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Biggest football kit fails

Fiorentina 1992-1993: Kit was pulled after fans noticed a swastika in the pattern around the chest and shoulders.

Man Utd 1996-1997: Sir Alex Ferguson blames grey kit for a loss to Southampton, claiming the players couldn’t see their team-mates as they blended in with the crowd.

Cameroon 2004: Kit had no sleeves and was a vest. Banned by Fifa so designers Puma added black sleeves in the hope it wouldn’t stand out,

Cardiff 2012-2013: Controversial owner Vincent Tan changed the club’s home shirt from blue to red as it was a lucky colour in his hometown.

Huddersfield 2019-20: Publicity stunt gone wrong. Town play a friendly match with Paddy Power sponsor written in huge font in a sash across the strip. Broke an FA rule over the size of sponsors and Huddersfield were fined.

France, the 2022 World Cup finalists, will go to Germany among the favourites to win Euro 2024.

But after the row over the kit, their supporters will be even keener to avoid a repeat of the cock-up at Euro 2020.

France led their last 16 clash with Switzerland 3-1 with less than 10 minutes to go, but conceded twice, including a 90th minute equaliser, before losing on penalties.