Fiorentina’s banned away shirt stands out as one of football’s most contentious kits.

In the ever-evolving world of football fashion, clubs strive to release kits that captivate fans. However, Fiorentina managed to achieve something quite different in 1992 when they unveiled a shirt so controversial that it was swiftly banned mere months after its release.

Throughout football history, there have been plenty of kits that missed the mark. Memorable examples include Manchester United’s ill-fated grey shirt from 1996, abandoned mid-match against Southampton, and Barnsley’s recent home kit, resembling more of a rugby jersey than a football strip. These kits, though remembered, are often for all the wrong reasons. Fiorentina’s away kit from 1992 undoubtedly falls into this category, securing its place as one of the most controversial in the sport’s history.

What did Fiorentina’s 1992-93 away shirt look like?

The Fiorentina shirt initially seemed innocuous, with a predominantly white body, the club’s logo emblazoned with 7up sponsorship, and purple accents covering the top third and shoulders, featuring a peculiar pattern. However, it wasn’t until several months and numerous appearances on the field that fans began to notice something unsettling about the pattern.

Brian Laudrup. In the banned Fiorentina shirt. The kit and the season didn’t go well for Fiorentina. pic.twitter.com/8vLSCfOHen

— Chaos, Controversy and THAT Kung Fu Kick (@9495_Book) June 3, 2023

The shirt was banned due to the controversial-looking symbols

Although unintended, the pattern bore a striking resemblance to the swastika, the notorious symbol of the Nazi Party, sparking outrage within the football community. Fiorentina maintained that the design was an unfortunate accident, with no deliberate attempt to replicate such a controversial symbol. Nonetheless, the uproar prompted swift action from the club to appease supporters and avoid further controversy.

Consequently, the kit was banned, and players were prohibited from wearing it. Surprisingly, fans didn’t immediately notice the problematic pattern, with complaints only surfacing in December 1992, several months after its debut. In response, Fiorentina issued a statement, disavowing any intention to feature swastikas on their kit and attributing the resemblance to an unintentional optical effect.

The club subsequently played the remainder of the season in an alternative kit, swiftly removing the controversial design from sale. Despite its ban, the shirt has become a sought-after collector’s item, showcasing its enduring legacy in football history.

Fiorentina's infamous 'Swastika' kit, 1992/93. pic.twitter.com/F6lwZibZq9

— 90s Football (@90sfootball) November 30, 2019

The shirt wasn’t the only wild thing about Fiorentina’s 1992-93 season

However, the controversial kit wasn’t the only extraordinary aspect of Fiorentina’s 1992-93 season. Despite a promising start, the club’s fortunes declined dramatically following the ban, culminating in relegation to Serie B. The tumultuous season saw multiple managerial changes and a rollercoaster of results, from memorable victories to humbling defeats.

Ultimately, the season unfolded unpredictably, mirroring the controversy that marked its beginning with the ill-fated away shirt.