[OSENWORLD] Newcastle United has issued a formal apology after a promotional video for the club’s 2025–26 third kit drew sharp criticism for including imagery resembling Japan’s highly controversial Rising Sun flag.
On July 2 (KST), the club acknowledged via social media, “A scene in our video for the new third kit unintentionally caused offense. We sincerely apologize. The footage has been edited to remove the scene to ensure all fans can watch comfortably.”
The original video, released a day earlier, showed Newcastle fans waving flags in the club’s colors. However, one flag closely resembled the Rising Sun — a red sun with radiating rays — a symbol of Japan’s imperial military used during its invasions across Asia in the early 20th century, including during World War II.
The Rising Sun flag is regarded in many Asian countries, particularly in Korea and China, as a symbol of oppression and militarism. Much like the Hakenkreuz (swastika) used by Nazi Germany, it evokes deep historical trauma tied to colonial violence and war crimes. Due to its association with wartime atrocities, the symbol is banned by FIFA from international competitions.
Public backlash followed swiftly, prompting the club to delete the video and replace it with an edited version.
The BBC noted that singer and Newcastle fan Sam Fender appeared in the clip, which featured the controversial flag. The Sun went further, reporting that “Newcastle used a Rising Sun-style flag” — an image banned in countries such as Korea, China, Singapore, and Russia due to its historical implications. The irony, the outlet noted, is that Newcastle is set to visit both Singapore and South Korea during its preseason tour.
The controversy has been amplified by the club’s Asia tour schedule. Newcastle will face Arsenal in Singapore on July 27, then travel to Korea to take on Team K League in Suwon on July 30 and Tottenham Hotspur in Seoul on August 3. Tickets for both matches sold out rapidly — with the Tottenham match, featuring Korean superstar Son Heung-min, selling out in just 15 minutes.
Established in 1892 in Newcastle upon Tyne, the club is one of England’s most storied sides, boasting four top-flight league titles and a legendary connection to striker Alan Shearer.
Now owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Newcastle has undergone a dramatic financial transformation. The club returned to the UEFA Champions League in the 2022–23 season after a 21-year absence and captured the EFL Cup last season — its first major trophy in 56 years.
This latest misstep, however, has tarnished its image — especially as Newcastle is reportedly close to signing 18-year-old Korean prospect Park Seung-soo from Suwon Samsung. Reports suggest the club is expediting the deal so that Park can join the squad for its Korea tour.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
