Topman really didn’t think this shirt through properly

Topman didn’t really think this through, did they?

Under the number 96 on the back of the long-sleeved red top are the words, “What goes around comes back around”, and on one of the sleeves is the word “Karma”.

New #topshop range

96 what goes around comes around with Karma on the arm

What’s all this about @Topman@Topshop#JFT96pic.twitter.com/JKXMgnmWeZ

— Justice For The 96 (@TheHoodedClaw66) March 15, 2018

The design was apparently inspired by a Bob Marley track and the number is a reference to its ‘year of re-release’, according to Topman.

Yeah, us neither.

Other people, however, made a rather different connection.

That “96” jumper from Topman is absolutely shocking. I’m sure whoever designed it has no knowledge of Hillsborough but surely someone should have realised this was a terrible idea. pic.twitter.com/ARV23BDDeG

— Sibs (@SibsMUFC) March 15, 2018

Really hope Topman recall that top. Don't think for a second it's intentional but it's horrendously insensitive and ignorant to what it insinuates for anyone associated with Liverpool.

Worked their for 6 years and it sticks in the craw seeing that. Just get it rid @Topman.

— Ryan (@ryan3levis) March 15, 2018

That Topman 96 shirt is in very poor taste

— CallingAllAstronauts (@CAA_Official) March 15, 2018

Can't imagine for one second that Topman would deliberately be mocking Hillsborough or the 96, HOWEVER – it is incredibly short-sighted and insensitive. It doesn't have to be red, the number doesn't have to be so big and prominent. They've had a bit of a mare here, defo.

— Up the Reds (@Red_UnderTheBed) March 15, 2018

This person seems to nail it (at least, we hope they do).

My thoughts on that Topman shirt, pic.twitter.com/ahSZcUJeDe

— showmethemoney (@smtm_LFC) March 15, 2018

If you’re thinking the Bob Marley reference is so obscure that it will be lost on nearly everyone, you’re right.

That topman shirt is the title of a Bob Marley song released in 1996. A very unfortunate coincidence. pic.twitter.com/eq58IMoSBQ

— Paul Ellis (@liverblokelfc) March 15, 2018

Top Man have now withdrawn it from sale and had this to say.

From Topman: "Topman apologises unreservedly for any offence caused by this t-shirt. The design was inspired by a Bob Marley track with the number referring to the year of re-release. The garment has been removed from sale online and in stores." https://t.co/ckOvpEYFlR

— BBC North West (@BBCNWT) March 16, 2018

Topman – now experiencing a little bit of karma of their own.