Bristol Rovers fans have been left furious as the name of their city rivals will now appear on their home and away shirts for the 2023/24 season.
The Gas announced that Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre has become the club’s new official sleeve sponsor, which in turn means that the words ‘Bristol City’ will be worn by the first team this season.
Sparking outrage on social media at the announcement, club president Wael Al Qadi reacted with a facepalm emoji, when a supporter questioned: “Seriously lads, who signs this stuff off?”
🤦🏻♂️
— Wael (@waelalqadi) August 5, 2023
Whilst the sleeve sponsor will not be present on replica kits sold in the club shop or website, the move could prove to be a commercial disaster, with many fans suggesting they will no longer purchase the shirt.
Record low shirt sales incoming
— Evil Francis (@SSRyan1) August 4, 2023
The hotel will not only see their branding adorn the sleeve of the shirt, but they will also be joining the 1883 Club as silver members.
It has been a mixed bag in terms of off-the-field related activities for the League One side in recent days.
They announced the redevelopment of the South Stand will not be ready for their first fixture at the Memorial Stadium, with the EFL rejecting proposals for Joey Barton’s side to play their first two fixtures away from home.
Supporters were however buoyed by the news of the recent takeover by Kuwaiti businessman Hussain AlSaeed, leaving the club debt free with additional finances set to be made available for the playing squad this window.
Writer’s View
It’s quite remarkable how many internal staff members must have seen the sponsor and thought there’s nothing wrong with it. The announcement on social media also does the club no favours, almost zooming in on their own glaring error.
I can understand those that feel people are overreacting, as it’s not a direct nod to their rivals in the red half of the city, but it’s something that is completely unnecessary and avoidable.
