Oxford United apologises for launching 'United 93' shirts close to the 25th anniversary of 9/11

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Oxford United's Campus Collection clothing range featured American football and baseball jerseys with 'United 93' printed on the back, referencing the club's founding year of 1893 — but the name directly mirrors United Airlines Flight 93, hijacked by al-Qaeda terrorists on 11 September 2001. All 44 people aboard died when passengers stormed the cockpit and the plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field, preventing it from reaching its intended target. The teaser announcement went live on 10 September, the day before the 25th anniversary, after the range was released without proper checks.

Oxford United said the range 'should not have reached the point of sale' and pulled it immediately.

The club admitted it had failed to undertake 'proper due diligence' and pledged to review its approval process.

United 93 was intended to coincide with the NFL and MLB season starts — the 1993 date also marks Oxford's promotion to the Second Division.