EFL club issue apology for releasing 'United 93' shirt close to 9/11 anniversary

Oxford United have issued an apology after they launched a clothing range branded 'United 93' a week after the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The merchandise was intended to reference Oxford's founding year of 1893 and a promotion in 1993.

But after the collection was unveiled, fans quickly pointed out that United Airlines Flight 93 was among those hijacked by Al-Qaeda terrorists on September 11, 2001 in the USA. The plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, with its crew and passengers fighting back the extremists and preventing it from hitting another target, believed to be the Capitol Building in Washington.

Oxford say that their new Campus Collection range - which included an American football jersey and a baseball jersey featuring 'United 93' - had been released 'without understanding of the historical context and associations'. The League One club explained in a statement: "Oxford United would like to sincerely apologise for the recent launch of the Campus Collection.

"The range was released without understanding of the historical context and associations. It should not have reached the point of sale and we take full responsibility for not undertaking proper due diligence.

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"We have removed the collection with immediate effect and are reviewing our approval processes to ensure nothing like this happens again. Once again, we would like to put on record our sincere apologies for this error and for any offence caused."

25 years ago last Friday, 19 members of Al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial passenger planes. Two of them were flown into the World Trade Center as New York City's Twin Towers collapsed.

Another plane struck the Pentagon near Washington DC. The attacks killed a total of 2,977 people and injured tens of thousands more.

Oxford find themselves playing in League One after they were relegated from the Championship last season. The U's are managed by former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

With 10 points from their opening five league games, Oxford currently occupy the final play-off position. They'll host Cambridge United, the team two places above them, on Saturday at the Kassam Stadium.