The Shmooze

Scottish Soccer Club Accidentally Used Nazi Image on Program

By Josh Tapper

  • Print
  • Share Share

Here in North America, sports franchises use the most obvious cover art for their game day programs. New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter fist-pumping after a playoff victory. Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson doused in champagne.

Surely things are the same over in the UK, but last week Scottish soccer club Airdire United attempted something a little more historical with its program in honor of Remembrance Day. The commemoration backfired. Airdire officials thought last Saturday’s program portrayed jubilant Australian troops returning by train from a World War Two battlefield. Instead, the photo features German soldiers – ahem, Nazis.

Superimposed over the photo were the words “Lest We Forget” and “Supporting Our Heroes.”

According to an Australian newspaper, club officials claim PoppyScotland, a war veterans charity and remembrance project, supplied the photo. The organization says otherwise.

In any event, Airdire chairman Jim Ballantyne apologized: “We always have a minute of silence and we also played in special strips bearing the poppy, all of which makes the programme gaffe very embarrassing.”


Permalink | | Share | Email | Print | Filed under: Sports, Soccer, PoppyScotland, Nazis, Airdire




    Would you like to receive updates about new stories?
















    We will not share your e-mail address or other personal information.

    Already subscribed? Manage your subscription.