Northern Ireland

Linfield asked to withdraw club top which shares UVF colours

The new Linfield away tops includes the same colours used in UVF flags
The new Linfield away tops includes the same colours used in UVF flags The new Linfield away tops includes the same colours used in UVF flags

THE daughter of a UVF murder victim has called for Irish League club Linfield to withdraw a new kit which has the same colours used by the paramilitary group.

Aontú councillor Denise Mullen made the call after the south Belfast-based club unveiled its new away strip.

Her father Denis was shot dead by the notorious Glenanne Gang, which included members of the RUC, UDR and UVF, in September 1975 at their family home in Co Tyrone.

The UVF was responsible for the sectarian murder of hundreds of innocent Catholics during the Troubles.

Linfield, which has a large loyalist and unionist fan base across the north, unveiled the new purple kit, which includes an orange sash, for the 2020/21 season earlier this week.

The same colours appear on UVF flags commonly erected on lamposts each summer as well as on Orange Order flags and regalia.

Ms Mullen described the kit as “totally offensive”.

A UVF flag
A UVF flag A UVF flag

“I would call in the club to withdraw that jersey,” she said.

“I actually thought it was a joke but now I realise it is not a joke.”

She she has been contacted by the loved ones of other people killed by the UVF.

“They have been contacting me with their disbelief and heartache it has caused them,” she said.

SDLP assembly member and sports spokesman Justin McNulty said: “Soccer is a sport for all.

“I hope this is a genuine oversight by the club and that they will take appropriate action to avoid causing any offence or hurt.”

Linfield FC could not be contacted for comment last night.