Northern Ireland fans launch petition against Euro 2016 finals jersey

You think they would be happy to have qualified for a first major tournament in nearly 30 years.

But the launch of Northern Ireland's kit for the Euro 2016 finals has divided football supporters north of the border, with those opposed to the design launching a petition that has already gained the support of more than 4,700 fans. The Irish FA claim the jersey is a 'tribute to the designs from the 80s when the team last reached a major international competition at the 1986 FIFA World Cup Finals in Mexico". But the shirt was described as 'horrendous' when it was revealed on social media yesterday, and the petition makes an impassioned plea to kitmakers Adidas to rethink the design, labelling it 'an absolute monstrosity'. The petition reads:

Northern Ireland fans were amazed and delighted when our wee country qualified for Euro 2016. It's our first tournament for 30 years and for many of us, it's a once in a lifetime experience. As fans, we were so looking forward to the finals, and particularly to a new kit. With Adidas in charge, we all thought that our Finals kit would be something simple, attractive and instantly classic, like our Spain 82 or Mexico 86 kits. Unfortunately Adidas produced an absolute monstrosity of a kit which has received almost universally negative feedback. It has too many colours, a terrible design, and it's totally out of touch with what fans wanted. Together we could force the IFA and Adidas to change. If you don't like the kit and you want something better, then sign the petition. Let's get ourselves the kit we deserve, not this awful mess!