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Woolworths launches internal review as ‘racist’ singlets appear on shelves

Screen Shot 2014-10-13 at 3.32.08 PMWoolworths has launched an internal review after two of its stores stocked singlets which were branded “racist” and “offensive”.

The clothing carried an Australian flag with the words “If you don’t love it, leave”.

Consumers took to Facebook to condemn the sentiment, with many insisting it had racist overtones.

Woolworths described the singlets as “totally unacceptable”, withdrew them from sale but claimed it had not ordered the product.

“It has come to our attention that two Woolworths stores were inadvertently stocking a singlet that we consider totally unacceptable,” a spokesman said.

“The singlet was not one we ordered. It was delivered to us in error and should never have been allowed on our shelves. We will review our processes to ensure this sort of error cannot happen again.

“As soon as we were made aware we immediately withdrew the product from our shelves. The sentiment expressed on the singlet does not reflect the views of Woolworths. Woolworths has a policy of ‘Doing the Right Thing’ which means we believe in fostering an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, courtesy and respect.”

Greens MP Adam Bandt led the calls for the product to withdrawn, calling them “divisive and ridiculous”.

There were also calls to boycott Woolworths while others suggested it highlighted the “bogan” nature of some Australians.

Despite the widespread criticism on social media, many people hit back and defended the wording, claiming it was “patriotic” and was “political correctness gone mad”.

Steve Jones

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