Nike attacked over Rooney 'warrior' picture

Daily Mail ^ | 06/20/2006

[Panerai]

Drenched in blood-red paint and screaming a war-cry, this chilling image of Wayne Rooney was last night condemned as 'offensive', 'exploitative' and 'tacky' by MPs and church groups.

He may yet turn out to be the saviour of England's World Cup campaign, but the Christ-like pose of the striker in a new Nike campaign yesterday provoked fierce condemnation.

Five people complained to the Advertising Standards Authority watchdog on religious grounds within hours of the advert being posted.

Its other interpretation as a battle cry from the dark ages or throwback to the Crusades was equally unfortunate as the poster's launch coincided with the first outbreak of serious violence involving England's army of fans in Germany on Monday night.

Labour MP Stephen Pound said the advert was 'truly horrible.'

'This is such a horrible image and is so horribly war-like that it can only be described as Nike being crass, offensive and insensitive as they try to hitch poor old Rooney to their commercial band-wagon.'

[Panerai]

[July 4th]

Well, if Rooney's going to lead the next Crusades, he'll probably get a whole bunch of fans to join him.

[Cyclopean Squid]

Maybe the English should save some of that rage for their soccer games. Instead of just mailing in their performances.

[ladyinred]

What is everyone's problem these days? I ask you, can't people just lighten up? We have become of world of kindergarten babies who can't take anything anymore. Good grief!

[tortoise]

I like the ad, very evocative. Pity the English are having a hard time living up to that image on the pitch.

[Kolb]

Oooh, 5 people complained! It might also be offensive to Muslims! Big deal, get over it- just an advertisement.

Is this in any more poor taste than running feminine product ads during prime time/ dinner hour?

[highimpact]

If the libs had their way, they'd insert "the right to not be offended" into the Bill of Rights.

[Candor7]

This ad is a travesty because it subtly refers to the Ancient Order of the Knights Templar, who wore a red cross on a white habit, over their armor.

All Muslim teams should issue a fatwa via their Mullah coaches, and refuse to play the British team forever. Such a travesty and an offense against both Muslims and the Church that brought the Holy Grail Warriors to a tragic end!

Fatwah, fatwah, fatwah!!!!

[Ramius]

throwback to the Crusades

Well... like Nike says... Just Do It.

[starbase]

Drenched in blood-red paint and screaming a war-cry...
chilling image of Wayne Rooney...
condemned as 'offensive',
'exploitative'
and 'tacky'...
as a battle cry from the dark ages...
throwback to the Crusades...
Labour MP Stephen Pound said the advert was 'truly horrible.'...
such a horrible image
so horribly war-like...
Nike being crass
offensive...
insensitive...

I thought it was cool.

[SampleMan]

Labour MP Stephen Pound said the advert was 'truly horrible.'...
such a horrible image
so horribly war-like...
Nike being crass
offensive...
insensitive...

I'm shocked. Nothing about it being "so American"? I can't believe he forgot to say it.

[Atlas Sneezed]

[Candor7]

Hey thats in the background with a rock pver my crotch!

[Stallone]

Flag of England

Nike Ad

Anyone notice the similarity?

[A CA Guy]

I don't get the problem.
Doesn't look like a cross to me.

[starbase]

I'm shocked. Nothing about it being "so American"? I can't believe he forgot to say it.

Yeah, no kidding. For quite a while now it seems like the Euro press has contorted almost everything they write into some anti-American angle, no matter how twisted the reasoning. Maybe it's wearing thin, after all, if constant statements have no effect, then by definition, making them will become boring sooner or later.

[mikemc282002]

HAHAHAHAHAHA. Well done.