Alliance MP calls on Linfield to change ‘UVF-linked’ away kit – as PUP man puts row down to republican trolls

The launch of the new design caused a fracas on social media, with outspoken ex-England star Stan Collymore adding to the dispute by tweeting an image of the kit next to a similarly-coloured paramilitary flag on a lamp-post.

Republican Twitter accounts are alive with claims that the two were linked.

Mr Farry said: “This may well be purely coincidental and unintentional, but I do think a rethink would be appropriate.

“The similarity to UVF colours is too striking. Many other colours and designs are available. Why leave any ambiguity and risk offence to so many?”

The club said: “For the avoidance of all doubt, the design is of a football kit for a football club and any similarity / likeness / resemblance with any other design used by any other entity is totally coincidental and entirely unintentional.

“Any allegation or inference to the contrary is robustly and vigorously rejected by this club which prides itself on being inclusive, open to all and representative of all.”

Scott McDowell, a representative for the PUP in Ballyclare, Co Antrim, feels the whole thing has been “blown out of all proportion” by republican agitators.

Speaking in a personal capacity he told the News Letter: “It’s Twitter trolls, as I call them, just simply stirring the pot. It’s people stoking things, hoping for a reaction. I don’t for a minute think they believe some of the stuff they’re actually putting down.

“And what do you expect from him [Collymore]? He’s another one likes to wind it up.

“Somebody always takes offence at something. That seems to be the era we’re living in now.”

Loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson, after pointing out that many GAA clubs are named after IRA men, said it is simply “incredible this is even being discussed”.

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