LIVERPOOL FANS SLAM NEW AWAY KIT

Premier League champions, Liverpool have officially unveiled their brand new away jersey for the upcoming season as part of their ground-breaking partnership with sportswear giants Nike – but not all supporters are best pleased with the choice of colour.

According to Daily Mail, the design adopts a teal colour and striking wavy pattern – and, according to the manufacturer, has introduced a ‘visionary’ look aimed at representing both the club and the city.

The iconic Liver Bird and the Shankly Gates at Anfield have also helped fuel inspiration for the strip.

Nike’s first collaboration with the club was revealed earlier this month, with the home edition paying homage to Liverpool’s historic title winning team from 1993 through its teal trim.

The same colour, seen on the Liver Bird statues in the city, has exploded into life across the latest offering ahead of the 2020-21 campaign. 

There is another subtle reference to another piece of history at the club, with Nike claiming that the swirling design ’embellishes’ the legendary You’ll Never Walk Alone motif.

But the light blue shade has led to widespread confusion and anger from Liverpool supporters on social media.

One user labelled Nike’s design a ‘terrible kit’ due to the controversial choice of colour.

Another described the creative process as ‘not acceptable’ due to the shirt’s similarity to arch rivals Everton and title contenders Manchester City.

A third fan simply summed up his thoughts by writing ‘blue’, and accompanying it with three vomit emojis.  

Jordan Henderson, the Liverpool skipper, has declared himself ‘a massive fan’ of the kit, however.

He added: ‘I really love the design and how it has been influenced by the city and specific aspects of the club. I can’t wait to get back out there and play in it next season.’ 

The 96 emblem has also been stitched into the nape of the neck in memoriam to those who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster. 

Liverpool’s top-flight winners will re-emerge next season with golden badges on their arms – and the whole strip will be rounded off with teal shorts, combined with black trim, and socks.  

Nike Football Apparel vice-president, Scott Munson, said: ‘We have very distinct design filters that are fully demonstrated in the collection we’ve created for Liverpool FC. We set out to create a collection that celebrates the rich culture of the city of Liverpool and the club.

The away kit allowed us to be bolder and more expressive in how we brought some of these cultural references to life, and we’ve landed on a look and aesthetic that really reflects that.’ 

The kit is available for early access on Nike’s official website and will be able to be purchased at all retailers at August 17. It is also available to pre-order at Liverpool outlets and their online club store. 

Nike have replaced New Balance to produce the club’s kits as part of a five-year deal worth £70million.   

Liverpool supporters will be able to watch their team pull on the shirt for the first time during pre-season.