Boro fans warned about fake kits for sale on social media
Football fans are being urged to be on the look-out for fake replica kit following Boro’s return to the top flight.
Boro fans are being warned about fake replica kits for sale on social media and online selling sites.
The alert was raised by Middlesbrough Football Club who called in Middlesbrough Trading Standards to investigate.
A number of shirts have now been examined and have all been found to be counterfeit and poorer quality than the genuine product. In some cases the fake item is not even the correct design.
Official merchandise can only be purchased directly from the club shop at the Riverside Stadium or online.
Middlesbrough Council Principal Trading Standards Officer Jim McCluskey said: “Middlesbrough Football Club have brought to our attention a number of small-scale businesses who are selling unauthorised replica kits.
“We are advising the sellers of offences against the Trade Marks Act and asked that they remove the items from sale immediately to avoid any further action.
“I understand that the club have been asked to print names and logos on these shirts and fully support their right to refuse this service and protect their trade mark.”
Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Adult Health and Social Care, said: “Football fans understandably want to show their support for their team, and on match days the town is a sea of red replica shirts.
“It’s also understandable that they’re on the look-out for good value – but if a bargain looks too good to be true, then it’s probably best avoided.
“I’d urge them not to pick up cut price items that will result in disappointment, but make sure they get the real thing.”