February 2 – The relationship between Blackburn Rovers and Italian jersey maker, Macron has ended not with a new kit launch, but with lawyers.
In a brief statement, the Championship club confirmed it has been served court papers by its Italian technical partner, bringing an abrupt and decidedly unromantic close to a partnership that began in 2021.
“The club has been served with court papers by its technical kit supplier, Macron S.p.A., in relation to a contractual dispute,” Blackburn said, adding that it would be “inappropriate to comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.” Translation: see you in court.
Macron replaced Umbro four years ago, understanding that Blackburn’s identity is sacred territory, forever anchored to that blue-and-white halved shirt and the club’s 1994/95 Premier League title. The home kit stayed traditional, unlike many of their peers. Macron saved its creative instincts for the away and third strips, where risk was allowed and sometimes rewarded.
Officially, the details of the dispute remain under wraps. Unofficially, and according to The Telegraph, the issue centres on a contractual clause that allegedly prevented Blackburn from entering talks with rival suppliers before the expiry of an exclusivity window tied to a potential renewal.
Rovers are currently in the relegation zone in the Championship. A drop to League One would see them lose their shirts, figuratively and financially.
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