Nike U-turn on selling Mary Earps shirts after brilliant England Women's World Cup displays
Nike are now poised to make Mary Earps shirts available after outstanding Women's World Cup displays
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Nike are now set to sell Mary Earps shirts after facing a strong backlash online.
The sportswear manufacturers had previously insisted they wouldn't be selling jerseys of goalkeepers at the Women's World Cup, with shot-stoppers from the United States, France and the Netherlands also getting the same treatment.
A petition against the 'commercial decision' was launched online, with over 150,000 people signing it.
And the New York Times now say Earps and England fans are set to get their way, with Nike agreeing to sell a small number of shirts in order to escape the heat.
Mary Earps sparkled for England at the recent Women's World Cup
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A spokesperson is quoted as saying that there were 'limited quantities of the jerseys to be sold through the federation websites over the coming days' while they also said they were 'also in conversations with our other federation partners'.
Earps has become a national treasure in recent weeks, having flourished for England at the Women's World Cup.
The Manchester United goalkeeper saved a penalty as the Lionesses lost to Spain in the final of the competition on Sunday.
And though England couldn't win the biggest trophy on offer, Earps was still given the Golden Glove in recognition of her stellar displays.
After the Lionesses' defeat, Nike released a statement that read: "Nike is committed to women's football and we're excited by the passion around this year's tournament and the incredible win by the Lionesses to make it into the final.
"We are proudly offering the best of Nike innovation and services to our federation partners and hundreds of athletes.
"We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments, in partnership with FIFA and the federations.
"The fact that there's a conversation on this topic is a testament to the continued passion and energy around the women's game and we believe that's encouraging."
But Earps then responded on social media by saying: "@Nike is this your version of an apology/taking accountability/a powerful statement of intent?"
She also provided a link to the petition, which had originally started back in July.
England players have rallied round Earps as a result.
And Beth Mead, who missed the tournament through injury, tore into Nike by saying: "She’s the best in the world right now, and she doesn’t have a jersey.
"She doesn’t have a shirt that young boys and girls can buy."
Former England men's goalkeeper David Seaman also took aim at Nike, saying: "Bet @Nike are regretting not selling the #MaryEarps shirt now."
Earps saved from Jennifer Hermoso in Sunday's final and went viral for screaming 'f**k off' in the aftermath.
Speaking after the defeat to Spain, meanwhile, Earps admitted she was disappointed by the result.
"The team result is the most important thing really and we couldn't get that," she stated.
"I just try to go out and do my job for the team, leave everything on the pitch.
"In a couple of weeks, when the emotion has settled down, we will probably be able to look back and feel proud - it is no small feat to get to a World Cup final. But we are very competitive people, we came here to win the game and get a gold medal, not a silver one.
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Mary Earps saved a penalty as England lost to Spain in the final of the Women's World Cup
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"At the same time you need to try and be as present as possible. These moments don't come around very often. I will probably look back on this as up there as one of my career highlights but right now it just doesn't feel like it."
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