EFL side Oxford United apologise over United 93 shirt after 9/11
Oxford United, an EFL League One side, issued a public apology on 18 September 2026 after unveiling a ‘United 93’ shirt just a week after the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The design, intended to celebrate the club’s 1893 founding, unintentionally echoed United Airlines Flight 93, prompting immediate criticism.
Origins of the United 93 branding
The Campus Collection was marketed as an American‑style sportswear line, featuring an American football jersey and a baseball jersey both stamped with the slogan ‘United 93’. Club officials explained that the number 93 was meant to reference Oxford United’s founding year of 1893 and a special promotion the club ran in 1993.
Fan backlash and swift removal
Within hours of the Friday morning launch, supporters highlighted that United 93 also identified the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 from the September 11 attacks. Social‑media users warned that the branding evoked a tragic event, and the club faced a wave of criticism.
Club's response and future steps
Oxford United responded by pulling the range from its website by lunchtime, roughly two hours after the initial release. In a statement the club admitted the collection had been launched ‘without understanding of the historical context and associations’ and pledged to review its approval processes.
The official apology read: “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.”
Comments Sport Nathan Ridley Senior Sports Reporter 19:39, 18 Sep 2026 View Image captured the club’s statement as it was posted on the official website.
Oxford United currently compete in League One after relegation from the Championship last season. Managed by former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey, the U’s have collected ten points from their opening five league games, placing them in the final play‑off spot.
The team will host Cambridge United, who sit two places above them, on Saturday at the Kassam Stadium, a match that could prove pivotal for their play‑off ambitions.