Topman pulls shirt 'inadvertently mocking Hillsborough disaster' and apologises 'unreservedly'

Topman today apologised “unreservedly” and stopped selling a shirt which Liverpool fans criticised as a reference to the Hillsborough disaster.

The top had the words "Karma" down one sleeve and a large '96' on the back along with a rose and the words underneath, "What goes around comes back around."

The number 96 was viewed by some as referring to the number of victims killed in the 1989 disaster.

Topman apologised saying it was based on a Bob Marley track, and has withdrawn the shirt from sale.

Louise Brookes, whose brother Andrew died in the tragedy, and MP for Wirral South Alison McGovern were among those calling for it to be removed.

Labour’s Ms McGovern wrote in a tweet: “Hi @Topman. No idea what is behind this, but it is very unfortunate.

“Hope you can discontinue the tshirt asap please.”

Ms Brookes said "karma" and "what goes around comes around" was used by rival fans after Hillsborough, according to the BBC.

She said they claimed the tragedy was "God's punishment" for the Heysel disaster in which 39 people, mostly Juventus supporters, died at a match against Liverpool.

After the £20 shirt went on sale online it came to the attention of hundreds of other Liverpudlians, ad many took to Twitter in disgust.

Justice for the 96 tweeted: "So it's a #BobMarley song and it's managed to get through god knows how many people before it's printed.

"Just shows you how few people know about the biggest sporting disaster and cover up this country's ever seen"

Nick Murphy wrote: "Please @Topman - take this off the shelf. An genuine mistake I'm sure but this is insulting and upsetting. #JFT96"

Another fan said on Twitter: "I don't think it's the @Topman design that's the issue, Hillsborough wouldn't have been in their thinking, it's the brain dead people who will end up wearing it for the wrong reasons, and there will be people like that."

The Hillsborough disaster left 96 Liverpool fans dead after a crushing incident at the start of an FA Cup semi-final in April, 1989.

Topman said in a statement: "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."