FOOTBALL
Clapton CFC's away shirt inspired by flag of Second Spanish Republic
The London-based club sold 2,500 jerseys after releasing their new jersey, which is inspired by the Spanish Republican flag
The roots of Clapton CFC make it one of the oldest football clubs in England. Previously Clapton FC, which was founded in 1877 in London, the new incarnation of the club was re-founded in 2017 after problems in the boardroom and beyond (read their full story here). On the 80th anniversary of the end of the Spanish Civil War it was announced that their second strip had been inspired by the Spanish Republic's flag complete with a "NO PASARAN" print inside the jersey. The slogan was adopted by those fighting Franco's nationalist army during the Civil War in the 1930's and means 'they shall not pass' as the nationalists laid siege to Madrid.
The club announced on social media that they had sold 2,500 jerseys and thanked their new fans for the support. After a turbulent recent history, the club announced that "Tons of supporters, famed for being some of the most fervent in non-league, will once again get to decide how their club is run" and the fans spoke up when it came to voting on their second jersey along with 15 other contenders. The decision has proven to be a rip-roaring success.
Their recent success won't hurt the enthusiasm at the club either. They were forced to send out a message in English and in Spanish on their Twitter account such was the demand for the jerseys from Spain. "The last 48 hours has been amazing: over £60,000 in orders for our shirts, mostly from Spain. We are trying hard to answer (and often first translate) everyone's questions, so please stay patient - our organising committees will reply to you as soon as possible," it read.
On their website, they said "Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Spanish Civil War, it is inspired by the flag of the Spanish Republic and is adorned by the three-pointed star of the International Brigades, who travelled to Spain attempting to hold back the fascist tide of General Franco."