It was less than 24 hours ago that SBG Ireland head coach John Kavanagh announced that his gym had partnered with Reebok. Kavanagh posted photos on Twitter of SBG Ireland filled with all new Reebok equipment including promotional posters of Conor McGregor, and the first ever ‘Reeboktagon.’
This morning photos emerged of a shirt that Reebok released featuring a map of Ireland, which left out Northern Ireland, enraging many Irish fans.
SBG Ireland coach John Kavanagh took to Twitter to threaten Reebok over the shirt, which many found offensive.
only seeing this now. its about the dumbest idea i've ever seen. working on it. pic.twitter.com/3FiCA1gj8y
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) October 21, 2015
An incredibly insensitive stupid divisive idea. Its removed by the end of the day or SBG is gone. I expect a sincere apology to Irish fans.
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) October 21, 2015
Reebok quickly removed the shirt after they realized the outrage they caused, chaulking it up to a “design error.”
We sincerely apologise for the offence caused by the UFC Ireland t-shirt. This was a design error and has now been removed.
— Reebok UK (@ReebokUK) October 21, 2015
Kavanagh explained his frustration with Reebok, saying:
No need for any more papers to call. This is my final comment on the situation. Time to get focused on #UFCDublin pic.twitter.com/FWjmcSUFdO
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) October 21, 2015